Sumtyper

Sumtyper is a term that emerged from early internet culture, primarily associated with online gaming and forums. It describes an individual who, when typing in a chat or forum, tends to use a large number of words to express a simple idea. This often results in long, rambling posts or messages that can be difficult to follow or appear overly verbose. The term is not a formal linguistic or psychological descriptor but rather a colloquial label used informally.

The behavior attributed to a sumtyper can stem from various factors. Some individuals may genuinely believe that a more extensive explanation is necessary to convey their thoughts accurately or persuasively. Others might be attempting to pad their posts to appear more knowledgeable or engaged, even if the content itself is not substantial. In some contexts, it could also be a form of unintentional verbosity, where a person struggles to articulate their point concisely.

Sumtyper behavior is generally viewed with a mix of amusement and mild irritation within online communities. While not inherently malicious, excessive verbosity can disrupt conversations, making it harder for others to quickly grasp the intended message. Consequently, users might employ strategies like asking for a "TL;DR" (too long; didn't read) summary or directly requesting conciseness when interacting with someone perceived as a sumtyper. The term itself serves as a shorthand to categorize this particular communication style.