Noob: meaning, definitions and examples
👶
noob
[ nuːb ]
gaming slang
A noob is a person who is new to a game or activity and lacks experience. It is often used in a derogatory sense, implying that the person is inexperienced and makes naive mistakes. The term can also be used endearingly among friends to indicate someone who is still learning the ropes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Don't be such a noob, learn the game mechanics first.
- He was a noob when he started playing, but now he's a pro.
- I remember when I was a noob and couldn't even finish the tutorial.
Etymology
The term 'noob' is derived from the word 'newbie', which itself originated in the 1980s. 'Newbie' came from the slang used in the military, where it referred to inexperienced recruits. The term 'noob' emerged in online gaming communities in the late 1990s as a way to describe inexperienced players who were just starting to learn the game. Over time, it evolved into a pejorative term among some gamers, reflecting frustration toward players who make beginner-level mistakes. Despite its negative connotation, 'noob' can also be used playfully, suggesting a sense of camaraderie among gamers who have all experienced the learning curve.