Here's Some Common Gamer Slang for N00bs
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.
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Trust us when we say this will not be an exhaustive guide. And don't feel bad for asking for help from your fellow gamers.
Good luck n00b!

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.
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.
Camper - A player who doesn't really do anything in a game - especially during shoot-em-ups. This is frowned upon so make sure you're proactive.
Trolling - The act of being overly provocative just to get a reaction.
Mats - Means materials. Usually referring to in-game resources for building stuff like weapons etc.