A Gamer’s Guide to 20 Common Gamer Lingo

I can say this boast without a doubt. Everyone one of you reading this page has encountered a gamer, friend or foe, that has used “lingo” that you did not understood meant or stood for. For example, what does “gl hf” mean? Isn't “gj” a misspelling of “gg?” What on earth does this guy mean by saying, “I’m going AFK?” All of the answers to these questions and more will be revealed to you here!

Sun Dude Studying Gamer Lingo

NOTE: I’m going to leave out the most common abbreviations of phrases that you can easily find guides to elsewhere. For example: “LOL” means laughing out loud. Enjoy!

“gg” = Good Game

“gj” = Good Job

“gf” = Good Fun

“ez” = A rude insult meaning that in the match, winning was easy.

“Cross-platform” = The gameplay is able to intersect with multiple different platforms such as PC, Switch, and Xbox, and they can each have the option to play with each other.

“DLC” = Downloadable Content, usually referring to paid content the player can unlock after the initial purchase.

“rip” = Rest In Peace, this is an extremely casual use of the term.

 “gtg” = Got to Go, this means the player needs to leave the game temporarily.

“AFK” = Away From Keyboard, can apply to consoles (game controllers) too. The player will be back shortly.

“gl hf” = Good Luck, Have Fun, this is a sportsmanlike gesture. 

“np” = No Problem

“m8” = Mate

“PvP” = Player vs. Player

“hax” = An accusation that the opponent is cheating through a hacked client.

“HP” = Health Points, this refers to the player’s typically visible gauge that tells the player how much health they have until they faint. Usually shown with a bar that has hearts indicating the amount the player has left.

“Battle Royale” = A game that has usually up to 100 players skydiving on to a gigantic island filled with loot such as weapons, healing items, explosives, and more. The main purpose of the game is to be the last man standing and try to get as many kills as possible.

“kk” = OK, Cool (‘K, Kool)

“clutch” = A very close, but successful victory.

“L” = A rude insult meaning Loser

“Noob” = A player who is new to the game and may make beginner mistakes.

And there you, the player, have it! All the skills to know how to interpret common gamer lingo are yours. Thank you for reading this short list, there may be a part two of this sometime!