Lurker: meaning, definitions and examples

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lurker

 

[ ˈlɜːrkər ]

Context #1

online community

A person who is a member of an online community but rarely participates in discussions or interactions.

Synonyms

observer, onlooker, spectator

Examples of usage

  • John is more of a lurker on the forum, he rarely comments on posts.
  • She's been a lurker in the chat room for months, but she finally decided to join the conversation.
Context #2

gaming

A player who stays hidden or remains unnoticed while playing a game, often to surprise or ambush other players.

Synonyms

ambusher, sniper, stalker

Examples of usage

  • The lurker waited patiently in the shadows before striking.
  • The team's strategy involved using a lurker to flank the enemy.

Translations

Translations of the word "lurker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 observador silencioso

🇮🇳 चुपचाप देखने वाला (chupchaap dekhne wala)

🇩🇪 stiller Beobachter

🇮🇩 pengamat diam

🇺🇦 тихий спостерігач

🇵🇱 cichy obserwator

🇯🇵 静かな観察者 (shizukana kansatsu-sha)

🇫🇷 observateur silencieux

🇪🇸 observador silencioso

🇹🇷 sessiz gözlemci

🇰🇷 조용한 관찰자 (joyonghan gwanchalja)

🇸🇦 مراقب صامت (muraqib samit)

🇨🇿 tichý pozorovatel

🇸🇰 tichý pozorovateľ

🇨🇳 静默观察者 (jìngmò guānchá zhě)

🇸🇮 tihi opazovalec

🇮🇸 þögull áhorfandi

🇰🇿 үнсіз бақылаушы

🇬🇪 ჩუმი დამკვირვებელი (chumi damkvirvebeli)

🇦🇿 səssiz müşahidəçi

🇲🇽 observador silencioso

Word origin

The word 'lurker' originated in the early 20th century and was initially used to describe someone who lurks or skulks around, often with negative connotations. In the context of online communities, the term evolved to refer to individuals who observe but do not actively participate in discussions. In gaming, 'lurker' is commonly used to describe a player who adopts a stealthy approach to gain an advantage over opponents.

See also: lurk, lurking.