Video games are no longer just a source of entertainment; they are also influencing our language. Even if you aren’t a gamer, video game slang is now part of our everyday conversations.
Whether you’re talking about a slow day or a dull situation, there’s likely a gaming term that fits. However, these terms are not appropriate for formal settings, such as essays or emails to your teacher. So, the next time you feel tempted to use a gaming term in class, here are some alternatives you could consider.
1. NPC
Meaning: short for non-player character. In video games, NPCs are background characters programmed to repeat the same dialogue and move in predictable patterns. The term is also used to describe someone who follows the crowd, lacks independent thought or simply stands around awkwardly.
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How to use it in an essay: Stop standing around like a background character and do something useful.
2. Speedrun
Meaning: to complete a video game as quickly as possible, often by skipping sections or utilising short cuts. In real life, it refers to hurrying through a task with maximum efficiency, possibly accompanied by a bit of panic.
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How to use it in an essay: If you procrastinate, you will end up rushing through your assignments.
3. Nerf
Meaning: when game developers update a game to make a weapon or character weaker due to its excessive power. It implies that something previously strong is downgraded, diminished or rendered less effective.
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How to use it in an essay: Simplifying requirements for this job will only serve to undermine the quality of our applicants.
4. Rage quit
Meaning: to angrily turn off a game or disconnect due to losing badly. In a broader context, it can refer to giving up on a frustrating task or abruptly
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How to use it in an essay: Don’t just leave in a rage when you are struggling with a task.
5. Lag
Meaning: a delay between your action and the game’s reaction, often caused by a poor internet connection. It could also refer to someone who is slow to respond, physically fatigued or taking time to grasp a joke.
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How to use it in an essay: Students’ ability to think will be delayed when they do not get enough sleep.
6. Touch grass
Meaning: an insult used online telling someone they have spent too much time on the internet and need to go outside to reconnect with reality. It is a reminder to take a break from screens, stop worrying about online drama and get some fresh air.
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How to use it in an essay: If you spend all your time in front of a screen, going outside to get in touch with the natural world could help you find a new source of relaxation.
