Gatefeitin

Gatefeitin is a term that emerged from online communities, particularly in gaming and social media contexts. It is a portmanteau of "gatekeeping" and "gatefeiting." Gatekeeping refers to the act of controlling access or setting arbitrary standards for entry into a group, hobby, or community. Gatefeiting, on the other hand, describes the act of pretending to be part of a group or community in order to gatekeep it or exclude others.

The concept of gatefeitin highlights a specific type of behavior where individuals who may not genuinely belong to a community, or who are relatively new themselves, adopt an overly critical or exclusionary stance towards others who are perceived as less knowledgeable, less experienced, or not "true" members. This can manifest in various ways, such as dismissing newcomers' contributions, questioning their authenticity, or insisting on specific, often unwritten, rules of engagement that they themselves may not strictly adhere to.

The phenomenon is often discussed in relation to fandoms, online gaming communities, and various subcultures. Critics argue that gatefeitin stifles inclusivity and can discourage participation by creating a hostile environment. Proponents of the term suggest it accurately describes a common and often frustrating online interaction. The term's usage is primarily informal and found within internet discourse rather than in academic or formal settings.