- “NPC” is the gaming term confusing parents the most, with an average of 83,710 monthly Google searches this year for its meaning.
- Parents are also searching for the definitions of “AFK” and “Trolling,” with 77,186 and 63,828 monthly Google searches for their meanings, respectively.
- “Buff,” “Looting,” and “Cheese” have seen a recent surge in searches, with more than double the number of average monthly Google searches querying their meanings compared to last year.
New research from gaming experts CSDB.gg reveals the gaming terms that are most confusing to parents, based on Google search data.
This analysis shows that parents across the United States are frequently searching for explanations of gaming jargon as they struggle to understand the language their children use.
The study looked at the average number of Google searches each month from January to August 2024 and compared it to the same period in 2022. It tracked specific gaming-related queries, such as “what does [gaming term] mean” and “[gaming term] meaning in games,” to determine which terms caused the most confusion.
According to the data, the most queried gaming term this year is “NPC,” which averages 83,710 monthly Google searches for its definition. An NPC refers to a non-playable character in a game controlled by the computer rather than another player.
It jumped into public consciousness around 2022, when TikTok “NPC streamers” became popular. These streamers would imitate the behavior of NPCs in a video game, leading to them gaining a huge following on the platform.
The phrase is now typically used as a derogatory term for someone who appears to lack independent thought or just follows the crowd.
The second-most confusing term was “AFK,” with an average of 77,186 monthly Google searches. This acronym stands for “away from keyboard” and is used when a player needs to step away from the game temporarily.
Close behind is “Trolling,” with an average of 63,828 monthly Google searches this year. Trolling refers to deliberately provoking or antagonizing others online, often for amusement. Searches for this term have increased by 54% compared to the same time last year.
“Griefing” and “Grinding” come in fourth and fifth place, with 62,161 and 57,494 monthly Google searches, respectively. Griefing is a term used to describe intentionally ruining another player’s experience in the game, while grinding refers to repetitively performing tasks to progress or earn rewards.
Meanwhile, some gaming terms have recently jumped in popularity, leading to an increase in monthly Google searches from confused parents looking up their definitions.
“Buff,” which refers to a temporary boost in a character’s abilities, saw a 241% increase compared to last year, making it the fastest-growing term in search volume.
Other terms with significant growth include “Looting,” up 142%, and “Cheese,” which rose by 101%.
“Looting” and “Cheese” both have multiple meanings in gaming. Looting can refer to collecting items or rewards from defeated enemies, while “cheese” or “cheesing” is often used to describe weak, lazy, or unfair gaming tactics.
Most searched-for gaming terms (2024)
Corey Sims, a spokesperson from CSDB.gg commented on the findings, “Gaming is a social activity, and as such, it has its own language. These terms are used by gamers to communicate with each other and understand the strategies and mechanics of a game.
“While some terms may seem strange to those outside of the gaming community, they create a shared understanding among players.
“Parents who feel like their children are speaking a different language when talking about gaming can use these terms as a way to connect and better understand their interests.”
Sims also points out the importance of gaming literacy for parents, especially as concerns about online safety and behavior grow.
“Understanding terms like ‘griefing’ and ‘trolling’ can help parents have more meaningful discussions with their children about gaming habits and etiquette,” Sims explains.
He added, “While gaming may seem like just a form of entertainment, it has its own culture and language. Staying informed and knowledgeable about these terms will allow parents to better understand and engage with their children.”
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