superophedning

Superophening refers to a niche practice within the online gaming community, particularly in multiplayer games like *League of Legends*, *Dota 2*, and *Counter-Strike: Global Offensive*. The term combines "super" and "phoning," where "phoning" is slang for intentionally losing or performing poorly in a game to avoid competition or frustration. Superophening involves an exaggerated or extreme form of this behavior, often characterized by deliberately underperforming to the point of being comically incompetent, such as walking into enemy fire, refusing to use abilities, or making nonsensical in-game decisions.

The practice gained attention in the mid-2010s, particularly in *League of Legends*, where players would engage in superophening as a form of protest, trolling, or even a humorous coping mechanism. Some players cited reasons like frustration with matchmaking, lack of skill, or a desire to disrupt toxic environments. While some viewed it as a form of self-expression or rebellion, others criticized it as disrespectful to teammates and opponents.

Superophening is not officially recognized by game developers, and its prevalence fluctuates with community trends. Some players have been temporarily or permanently banned for extreme instances of the behavior, as it violates terms of service regarding toxic conduct. The practice has also sparked discussions about mental health in gaming, with some players using it as a way to vent stress or avoid pressure.

Unlike traditional trolling, superophening often lacks malice and may even be performed in a lighthearted manner. However, its impact on match dynamics can still be disruptive, leading to mixed opinions within gaming communities. The term remains largely informal and is not widely documented outside of gaming forums and discussions.