Here's Some Common Gamer Slang for N00bs

New to gaming? Here's a brief guide to some of the most common gamer-slang you might hear.

| Apr 28, 2019 08:57 AM EST

Created: Apr 28, 2019 08:57 AM EST

If you've just begun your journey into playing computer games, especially online, you may have noticed other players use some unfamiliar slang terms. In some cases, they may even appear to be speaking a completely different language altogether.

For new gamers, this can seem a little daunting at first, but it's not that complicated once you get to grips with some of the terminologies. In the following article, we've collated some of the more commonly used gamer-slang for ease of reference.

Some commonly used gamer slang

General terms

Grinding - This is a term used to explain the amount of time needed to build character experience, power, strength, and items. In games like Monster Hunter World, this is a common feature of the game.

Easter Eggs - Usually irrelevant features hidden within a game that you can either find or unlock. Oftentimes they are nods to other games, films, or general gaming culture.

Boss - Usually a very powerful foe in a computer game. These often represent points where you need to "up your game" skills to defeat them to progress.

Glitches - Bugs in the game. These can be hilarious and frustrating in equal measures.

Farming - Gathering items and supplies necessary for progressing in the game. This could be to build some weapons or armor for example.

Online chat common acronyms

Here are some common acronyms you might experience online.

Most Popular

Acronym	Meaning	Notes
AFK	Away From Keyboard.	Pretty self-explanatory.
GLHF	Good luck Have Fun.	Again self-explanatory.
NPC	Non-player Character.	This is the game controlled character, not controlled by a real player
MOB	Monster or Beast.	Usually, a boss character or monster that needs to be defeated.
PvP	Player vs. Player.	Easy enough.
DLC	Downloadable Content.	Usually paid for extra content, but not always.
RTS	Real Time Strategy.	It’s a game where everything from strategizing an attack or defend happens in real time or in the moment.
GTG	Good to go.	Self-explanatory.
DPS	Damage per Second.	Again self-explanatory.
BRB	Be right back.	Player needs to pop away from a moment. Toiler break/grab a drink etc.
TLDR	Too long, didn’t read.	Easy enough.
IGM	In-game name.	A fake name used to name your online Avatar.
FTW	For the win.	The other player approves of what you are saying

Other common online gamer slang

n00b (Noob) - Refers to a new player or "newbie". Don't be offended if you are on the receiving end of this, but it can be used as an insult. Its usually meant as friendly banter.

Owned - Used to refer to the fact you were badly-beaten in a game.

Grrr - Pretty self-explanatory.