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Few of ours:

"Beefy" = Any crazy powerful unit/squad (Especially beefy Assault Termies).

"More Mustard!/Give it more Mustard!" = Pouring even more fire into that scary unit or squad your opponent deployed.

"S**thawks" = Thunderhawks (In referance to a Trailer Park Boys episode).

"Deepfried" = A squad that has the misfortune of dying horribly on (or within one turn of) Their Deepstrike.

"Fusterclucked" = Any character/unit killed by a swarm (So a character that Deepstrikes then is killed by a swarm next turn would be a Deepfried Fustercluck).

"Fishcamels" = Tau

"SPEHSS MEHREENS" = Self Explanatory

Polonius wrote:I would argue that slang is just a subset of language. Like all languages, it's a shared set of symbols that allow a group to share common experiences. Thus, for small communities, slang is a way of expressing shared bonds and experiences.

Of course, that's ignoring the fact that we're a bunch of gamers discussing gaming slang, not a group of linguists spanking each other off.

That's the thing, slang is very much an 'in-group' kind of thing. It may express shared bonds and experiences, but it also expresses difference and distinction by presenting a barrier to people outside of the group. It gets in the way of communication, so much so that the administration had to implement a dictionary of terms so that new entrants to the hobby could understand all the acronyms and jargon. It's kind of weird that a community that recognizes the poverty and exclusionary nature of "1337-speak" would turn a blind eye to the poverty and exclusionary nature of their own slang terms and jargon. Not unexpected, though, just weird.

I use Beardy, Cheesy, Broken and we call Eldar hairdressers....

Any last man standing in the unit or a guy that kills so much on his own we call him a "Stud". A stealth suit trooper that lives through six rounds of fire, rallying twice and killing 350% of his point value is a damn stud.

I sware that he was like the John Wayne of the 40K world, "Tough as hell and won't take any from anyone."

Nurglitch wrote:

Polonius wrote:I would argue that slang is just a subset of language. Like all languages, it's a shared set of symbols that allow a group to share common experiences. Thus, for small communities, slang is a way of expressing shared bonds and experiences.

Of course, that's ignoring the fact that we're a bunch of gamers discussing gaming slang, not a group of linguists spanking each other off.

That's the thing, slang is very much an 'in-group' kind of thing. It may express shared bonds and experiences, but it also expresses difference and distinction by presenting a barrier to people outside of the group. It gets in the way of communication, so much so that the administration had to implement a dictionary of terms so that new entrants to the hobby could understand all the acronyms and jargon. It's kind of weird that a community that recognizes the poverty and exclusionary nature of "1337-speak" would turn a blind eye to the poverty and exclusionary nature of their own slang terms and jargon. Not unexpected, though, just weird.

It's in no way weird that a group of 40k gamers allow 40k jargon but not the jargon of another field. While the creation of the dictionary might imply that we use a lot of jargon, it also shows how hard we're working to make jargon less exclusionary.

There's also the problem that you're drawing a line in the sand, as it's very hard to separate slang from normal talk. I mean, is the term 40k slang? what about d6? What about rhino rush?

My point is that excessive jargon can be exclusionary, but a certain amount is just a way to facilitate communication in a group. I mean, how many people that don't' play tau are really going to read posts that use the term "fire-knife?" Yes, it has to be explained to every tau player at some point, but it also prevents every player writing a list or discussing tactics from saying "crisis suit with plasma rifle, missle pod, and multi-tracker" repeatedly.

Gaming slang? TO me it just sounds lame.

I hate the term beardy or the American version "cheasy". If its n the codex dont cry about it.

Polonius:

I agree, it's not weird that a group of 40k gamers allow 40k jargon to be acceptable, but not jargon from another field. It's weird when a group of 40k gamers allow 40k jargon to be acceptable, but not jargon from another field when the reasoning for rejecting jargon from other fields applies to 40k jargon!

That's why I don't think that providing a dictionary is working hard to make jargon less exclusionary, because if you want to be inclusive, you use inclusive and generally available protocols rather than providing a tool for translation.

Likewise I don't think that it facilitates communication in a group. Maybe if you're talking, because speech requires more linear reading than text, and maybe if you're using handwriting because hand-writing is so slow and inefficient, but with computer-assisted writing functions such as "copy-paste" makes iterating terms easy, and easier to search using "find" or "search" functions, and easier to speed-read.

And, like I said, writing things out in full (or even copy-pasting them out in full) requires more thought about the hows and whys because nothing is obscured or easily ignored.

Nurglitch wrote:Gamer slang, like all cliches, depicts an absence of thought. Avoid using it.

This is similar to the argument that using profanity just limits your vocabulary that I heard growing up. It could also depict specifically trying to think more to use it.

Nurglitch wrote:Polonius:

I agree, it's not weird that a group of 40k gamers allow 40k jargon to be acceptable, but not jargon from another field. It's weird when a group of 40k gamers allow 40k jargon to be acceptable, but not jargon from another field when the reasoning for rejecting jargon from other fields applies to 40k jargon!

Except that's not completely true. The reason for rejecting leet speak is because most poster here don't understand it. Most posters here do understand 40k jargon. It's no different from not allowing non-english on the boards, or poor spelling.

That's why I don't think that providing a dictionary is working hard to make jargon less exclusionary, because if you want to be inclusive, you use inclusive and generally available protocols rather than providing a tool for translation.

I don't think there's only one way to be inclusive. Maybe we could be more inclusive, but it's still a good faith effort to bridge the gap.

Likewise I don't think that it facilitates communication in a group. Maybe if you're talking, because speech requires more linear reading than text, and maybe if you're using handwriting because hand-writing is so slow and inefficient, but with computer-assisted writing functions such as "copy-paste" makes iterating terms easy, and easier to search using "find" or "search" functions, and easier to speed-read.

And, like I said, writing things out in full (or even copy-pasting them out in full) requires more thought about the hows and whys because nothing is obscured or easily ignored.

I'll agree that an effort to avoid jargon can result in text that is easier to read. We're taught in law school to avoid "legal-ese" and jargon in our formal writing.

That said, not all terms of art are jargon. There's a huge spectrum of langue from colloquial english to highly jargonized speech. While eliminating jargon can make things easier to read, there is a fine line between that and reducing language to Newspeak. In addition, Jargon frequently becomes part of the vernacular. We all know what is meant by the term "Hoover-ville" and I doubt any of us are depression era migrant workers. Look at the example of the term Fireknife. Using a term like that goes beyond the literal definition (crisis suit with plasma rifel, multi-tracker, and Missile pods) but also contains a certain basic understanding as to why that build was created, what it's goals and purposes are, etc.

I think you dramatically undervalue the benefits of a communal slang, as well. All communities are by definition set off, and arguably exclusive (if only to those that wish not to join), and I think there is a need to avoid making it unneccessarily difficult for people to join, but a shared set of language helps to mark people as part of a group, which they enjoy. As I pointed out earlier, terms like d6 and 40k are technically slang, yet I think it would be highly pedantic to not allow those as jargon. That means there is a sliding scale, and a lot of grey area. That's also why your initial comment " Gamer slang, like all cliches, depicts an absence of thought. Avoid using it. " drew some ire. It castigated a huge swathe of speech without actually defining it, was preachy, and basically called everybody that was enjoy the thread stupid. So, keep that in mind.

It's the great irony of your posts that you seem fixated on clarity in communication, yet you are frequently the least easily understood poster here. All of us that are absent thought down here with our slang and our jargon seem to understand each other pretty well, while your post often are... opaque. Maybe you should keep that in mind before casually dismissing the value of how we speak.

I think this conversation is getting to deep on the social ramifications of speech.

I think the whole thread was just what terms (if used) that every body uses. As for a source of humor.

And in terms of the slang debate as a whole, some perspective. The point of speaking is to communicate. If one's thoughts are communicated, you have succeeded. In this case, context is everything.

Well, specific to GW games, my friends and I refer to the Red Age with a sense of dread and loathing and also call it the Age of Strife.

That was the period back around 98 when you were hard pressed to find a model without red on it, everything got weirdly oversized (daemonettes all got bald and had massive claws and looked gak) and GW went hardcore for child fan recruitment as the pokemon generation turned it's hungry eyes towards tiny bald and screaming (and red) toy soldiers.

I 'spose Nurgy is the only one here who knows how to speak all proper like.

You know what makes a good 'barrier', people who look down their noses at other people and make themselves out to be 'above' things like slang, people who are needlessly wordy to the point of appearing arrogant. Slang is just another way language changes and is reinterpreted over time - anyone with a basic understanding on how language develops (or even just how English developed) would know that.

Nurgy needs to stop looking at language as an absolute and something that should not change. Or, to put it... colloquially, I think Nurgy might need surgery to remove the stick he's got up his ass.

Polonius:

I don't think it's ironic at all that the person with the greatest trouble communicating would want communication to be easier.

That's one reason why I would personally enjoy a jargon-free set of forums, so I could read it as easily as I might read a newspaper or magazine.

As for casually dismissing the way you speak, quite obviously I have no problem with your posts. Of all the posters on these forums you write some of the clearest and most easily read prose. Since you had advised me to be brief, I had thought to be brief rather than dismissive. I'll write something more complete next time.

Hibby:

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own ass; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's ass.

H.B.M.C. wrote:I 'spose Nurgy is the only one here who knows how to speak all proper like.

You know what makes a good 'barrier', people who look down their noses at other people and make themselves out to be 'above' things like slang, people who are needlessly wordy to the point of appearing arrogant. Slang is just another way language changes and is reinterpreted over time - anyone with a basic understanding on how language develops (or even just how English developed) would know that.

Nurgy needs to stop looking at language as an absolute and something that should not change. Or, to put it... colloquially, I think Nurgy might need surgery to remove the stick he's got up his ass.

Your Calgar is showing

But seriously, you're right. I fail to see how the use of slang/jargon within a group setting causes a communication barrier - after all, the members of said group are the only ones using their exclusive slang. They all know and understand their own terms. New members to a group pick up or introduce slang without much trouble either. And most players forfeit the use of group slang in the presence of wider audiences.

In all honesty, I'd have to agree that the snide attitude of Nurglich's OP was totally unnecessary.

Nurglitch wrote:Thou hypocrite

I don't think that word means what you think it means.

And the fact that you seem to be the only one here saying how bad slang is should probably tell you something.

To put it another way, and to use more slang - Newsflash! Your gak does, in fact, stink.

metallifan:

You mean unlike the way H.B.M.C's snide attitude is totally necessary?

I don't see what's so complicated about this: I find gamer jargon and slang difficult to read, and I'm a 'member' of the group. I find it exclusionary and un-necessarily difficult to read.

Maybe I'm just stupid or something, but I don't get why people can't just use plain English. No, actually I get why people would want to exclude me and my opinions from the conversation, but I don't like it.

Nurglitch wrote:No, actually I get why people would want to exclude me and my opinions from the conversation, but I don't like it.

I would imagine HBMC, like myself and most other people, is a firm believer of "Treat others as you would be treated". You act snide, you get a snide reply.


And I'm sure that if, when stating your opinions, you lost the 'upturned nose' element, people might treat you with warmer attitudes and would find you more pleasant to talk to. Some people might even be happy to take the time to help explain the Jargon. The only person that's causing you to be excluded is you. It isn't anyone else's fault. Your objectionable attitude is causing you to dig your own grave.

metallifan:

Yes, and like most believers in that doctrine you clearly don't take the time to wonder if someone is actually being snide, or is simply clumsy.

Which is basically my point: you think I have an "upturned nose" element. I find most people on these forums to come across as unbelievably arrogant, condescending, and catty, but that's textual conversation for you and since I come across the same way I can imagine they're usually not doing it deliberately. I usually don't complain about the way people post (not that I get the same consideration in return) so it's nice to have a thread where I can do so on topic.

What I would like to know is how I'm the only one causing me to be excluded when I can't help the fact that I find reading jargon and slang to be difficult. If I found it easy but refused to read it anyways because I was somehow above it, then your point would be valid. But I don't find it easy, and rely on other people to give me the benefit of the doubt and English prose that I can understand and participate.

Wow, way to go destroying a good thread. It was fun and interesting...

You know you can continue posting gamer slang and whatnot, right?

Bit difficult when there's a grumy well-worded lockjaw putting everyone down and telling us all how immature and childish we are for wanting to use colloquialisms...

SPEHHHSSS PUPPZZZ!!





What I think it most cool about this thread, is that that was on topic.

Nurglitch wrote:metallifan:

Yes, and like most believers in that doctrine you clearly don't take the time to wonder if someone is actually being snide, or is simply clumsy.

Which is basically my point: you think I have an "upturned nose" element. I find most people on these forums to come across as unbelievably arrogant, condescending, and catty, but that's textual conversation for you and since I come across the same way I can imagine they're usually not doing it deliberately. I usually don't complain about the way people post (not that I get the same consideration in return) so it's nice to have a thread where I can do so on topic.

What I would like to know is how I'm the only one causing me to be excluded when I can't help the fact that I find reading jargon and slang to be difficult. If I found it easy but refused to read it anyways because I was somehow above it, then your point would be valid. But I don't find it easy, and rely on other people to give me the benefit of the doubt and English prose that I can understand and participate.

So what you're saying is, that claiming players that use group slang show a "Lack of thought" is all fine and acceptable? It isn't snide, but rather just clumsy? Because if it was just a clumsy mistake and poor wording, I don't see any apology or an attempt to correct said phrase. Just more statements that defend it. So it would seem to me that yes, arrogance runs rife in your posts here. Arrogance, or at least an unwillingness to apologize and reword your original 'Slang users are dimwits' post.

That's how you're the one causing you to be excluded. If, instead of defending a poorly-worded post or a clumsy error in judgement, you reworded things and apologized to those that you may have offended, then you might find the other members in the Dakka group to be more hospitable. As it stands, your choice to defend your "clumsy" choice of words makes it seem less like a failure to communicate and more like a deliberate attempt to insult a person or group of people. I would hope that's a bit clearer.

I talk like I usally do.

I think I sound like a stereotypical Rocker/hippie. I sorta sound like i'm stoned too.

Wow nurglitch I thought Buzz Killington was only from family guy, but i guess not.

Well guys i say everyone just chill with him and return to the OP topic cuz we all know he is just trolling.

Well anyway back on topic im surprised no one has said that they say pownage at their gaming group

another one im surprised that i havent seen is the phrase vanilla marines

Spehs Puppehs.
Is that slang or just bad grammar?

Ah, we use pwned too, we use so much that is just... normal in our group it goes over our heads.... We call Ultramarines smurfs for one and the manager of the GW, Da Boss... Because he collects orks ^_^

I would argue that slang is just a subset of language. Like all languages, it's a shared set of symbols that allow a group to share common experiences. Thus, for small communities, slang is a way of expressing shared bonds and experiences.

Exactly. It's just part of the meta-discourse of gamers - cultural 'signposting'. It has absolutely no bearing on the intelligence of the user.

Beardy! Haven't heard that for years! In addition to borderline-coprolalic displays of swearing, my group uses 'brassing up' to describe any shooting that involves large amounts of dice.

e.g:

'Right. THESE c*nts are going to brass up THOSE c*nts - someone hand me 40D6.'

The only real 'out of the ordinary' phrases we use are:

"Shooshting" - as in "Let the shooshting begin", taken from Goldmember, to let the opponent know you're about to start your shooting phase.

"George" - once I announched an assault of one of my units by saying 'CHAAARGE!' in a slightly drawn-out way, and someone misheard me and though I'd said 'GEORRRGE!'. The name kinda stuck, and now is used to announce when anything's charging.

Also, I'm someone else who has used (and still uses) 'beardy' to describe a list that's maxed out in terms of power at the expense of background, or someone who uses a list like that.


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IN OTHER NEWS: brassing up = genius, consider that stolen