Pwned: meaning, definitions and examples
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pwned
[ poÊŠnd ]
gaming, internet
The term 'pwned' originally comes from a typographical error of the word 'owned.' It is used in gaming and internet culture to signify that someone has been defeated or dominated, often in a humiliating manner. Essentially, to be 'pwned' means to be bested or outperformed by another.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I thought I was good at the game, but I was totally pwned.
- After that embarrassing loss, he felt completely pwned by his opponent.
- She pwned everyone in the tournament with her unmatched skills.
Etymology
The term 'pwned' dates back to the early 2000s, primarily within online gaming communities. It originated from a misspelling of 'owned' in a multiplayer game, where players would boast about their victories. The error quickly caught on, and its use expanded beyond gaming into broader internet slang. 'Pwned' became synonymous with being outclassed or publicly embarrassed, often in a humorous or lighthearted context. As gaming culture evolved, so did the term, embedding itself within the lexicon of internet memes and casual conversation among online users.