Noob

Noob is a slang term used primarily in online gaming and internet culture to refer to a novice or inexperienced player. It originated as a shortened form of newbie or newb and has been circulated in chat rooms, forums, and multiplayer games since the late 1990s. The term can be used descriptively to denote someone new to a game, or pejoratively to criticize perceived incompetence or disruptive behavior.

Variants include noobie, newb, nub, and the leetspeak form n00b. The spelling 'n00b' became common in online environments that favor ASCII-based characters and stylized typing. While some communities use noob in a lighthearted or mentoring sense, others treat it as an insult, implying that the target lacks skill, learning effort, or sportsmanship.

Noob status is typically temporary as players gain experience, learn game mechanics, and familiarize themselves with maps and community norms. Some communities actively discourage the term to avoid harassment, while others embrace it as part of the culture. The concept extends beyond games to other online activities where beginners may be grouped as new users or newcomers.