gief

Gief, a common shorthand for Zangief, is a fictional character in Capcom's Street Fighter fighting game series. He is portrayed as a professional wrestler from the Soviet Union and was introduced in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991). Gief is designed as a grappler who relies on close-range positioning to control space and secure throws, rather than using ranged attacks or projectiles.

In combat, his playstyle centers on getting in close, applying pressure, and converting throws into damage. He possesses several signature techniques, including the Spinning Piledriver, a high-damage throw initiated up close; the Lariat, a forward-moving clothesline that can trap or advance on opponents; and various suplex-style throws that emphasize grappling gains. His mobility and reach are typically limited compared with more nimble fighters, creating a risk-reward dynamic that rewards timing and defense.

Gief has appeared in most major Street Fighter titles since his debut, remaining one of the franchise's most recognizable and enduring characters. The name "Gief" is widely used within the community as a shorthand for Zangief, the character's official name, though localization and in-game texts may vary. He is often cited as an archetypal grappler, influencing later fighting game designs that emphasize close-range combat and throw-based offense.