The world of video games has transcended pixels and controllers, weaving its way into our everyday conversations. Phrases once strictly confined to virtual battlegrounds are now casually tossed around in classrooms, boardrooms, and even family dinners. This linguistic infiltration isn’t accidental. Video games, particularly online multiplayer experiences, create vibrant communities with unique communication needs. Shortened slang, catchy terms, and inside jokes born within these digital spaces have successfully spilled over into the real world.
This phenomenon isn’t limited to single words. Here are 15 everyday terms heavily influenced by video games, along with their origins and how they’ve evolved in our daily lingo:
Noob/Newb
This term, originating from newbies in online gaming communities, signifies someone inexperienced. While originally used to describe new players, “noob” has become a playful jab for anyone making a silly mistake. “Wow, that was a total noob move!” The exact origin of “noob” is unclear, but it likely emerged in online gaming communities sometime in the 1990s. Theories suggest it could be a shortening of “newbie” or a play on the word “novice.”
Sus
One prominent example is the ubiquitous “sus,” short for “suspicious.” This term exploded in popularity thanks to the social deduction game Among Us. In the game, players scramble to identify imposters sabotaging their spaceship. “Sus” became the battle cry, a way to flag potentially villainous crewmates. Now, “sus” is used liberally to describe anything questionable, from a shady character on the street to a friend’s sudden change in plans.
AFK
(Away From Keyboard)
Gamers often need to step away from their computers for a short while. “AFK” became a shorthand to let teammates know they’ll be back momentarily. In today’s hyper-connected world, “AFK” is used to excuse oneself from a conversation or online interaction, letting others know you’ll be back soon.
OP
(Overpowered)
If a weapon or character in a game is ridiculously strong, it’s deemed “OP.” This term has transcended games and is now used to describe anything excessively powerful or dominant, like a particularly effective marketing campaign or a student who aces every test. An “OP character” is one with abilities or stats that far outclass others. They might be nearly invincible, deal ridiculous damage, or have skills that make them almost impossible to defeat. Imagine a fighting game where one character has a move that instantly knocks out any opponent – that character would be considered very OP.
Lag
In online games, a sluggish connection can cause delays and glitches, known as “lag.” The frustration of lag has bled into everyday life, used to describe any situation with delays or disruptions, like a lagging conversation or a lagging computer system.
Buff/Nerf
Games often receive updates that adjust character abilities. A “buff” strengthens a character, while a “nerf” weakens them. These terms are now used to describe any situation where something is bolstered or weakened, like a student “buffing up” for an exam or a company “nerfing” an unpopular policy.
Loot
In many games, players collect valuable items, often after defeating enemies. The term “loot” has found its way into everyday conversation, used to describe finding something valuable unexpectedly, like “I looted a great pair of shoes at the thrift store!”
Respawn
In some games, characters come back to life after dying, typically at a designated location. “Respawn” has become a humorous way to describe bouncing back from a setback, like “Don’t worry, I’ll respawn after this exam and nail the next one!”
Grind
Many games require repetitive tasks to progress. The act of grinding through these tasks has become a metaphor for any tedious or repetitive activity in real life, like “The daily commute is such a grind.”
Easter Egg
Video games often contain hidden secrets and jokes known as “Easter eggs.” The term is now used to describe any hidden surprise or unexpected discovery, like finding a secret message in a book. The influence of video games on language is undeniable. These terms add a layer of informality and humor to our conversations. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone is familiar with gaming slang. Consider your audience before dropping a “GG” after a casual chat.
NPC
(Non-Playable Character)
In games, NPCs are characters controlled by the game’s code, often providing quests or information. Today, “NPC” is used jokingly to describe someone acting robotic or predictable, like “He was totally NPC-ing his way through that presentation.”
Carry
In team-based games, a “carry” is a player who significantly contributes to the team’s victory, often through exceptional skill. This term is now used to describe someone who single-handedly lifts the weight of a project or situation, like “He carried the team project on his back.”
Salty
In gaming, a player who loses poorly and displays excessive frustration is considered “salty.” This term has bled into everyday life to describe someone bitter or upset about a situation, like “He was salty after losing the argument.”
Lit
While “lit” can mean “intoxicated” dating back over a century, its gaming usage is more recent. It emerged as a way to describe exciting or intense situations within games. Imagine a particularly thrilling match or a perfectly executed raid in a game. That’s what “lit” would describe – something that gets your adrenaline pumping and keeps you engaged. Today, “lit” is a general term for something cool, awesome, or happening. It’s a way to express enthusiasm and positivity.
GG EZ
(Good Game Easy)
This phrase, often used sarcastically or in good-natured jest, signifies an easy victory. While the context is important to avoid being seen as arrogant, “GG EZ” has become a way to playfully acknowledge an effortless win, even outside of gaming.
The future of language and video games is intertwined. As gaming continues to grow, we can expect even more terms and concepts to infiltrate our daily lingo. So, the next time you catch yourself saying “That’s low-key OP,” remember, your love for video games might be showing!
