What does Griefing mean?
Harassing or irritating other players in a game
Detailed Explanation
'Griefing' is the act of deliberately irritating and harassing other players within an online game, using the game's own mechanics in unintended ways to ruin their experience. A 'griefer' is someone who does this for their own amusement. Examples include blocking doorways, repeatedly killing a teammate, or destroying a shared structure in a creative game like Minecraft.
Usage Examples
“He kept killing me right after I respawned, which is a classic form of griefing.”
“The server admins will ban you for griefing.”
“Someone destroyed our entire Minecraft castle. We got griefed.”
Origin & History
The term emerged from early online multiplayer games and MUDs in the 1990s. Players who caused 'grief' for others were labeled 'griefers.' The concept became very well-known with the rise of sandbox games like 'Minecraft' and competitive games like 'Counter-Strike.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Is griefing the same as trolling?
They are very similar, and griefing can be a form of trolling. Trolling is broader (often verbal or forum-based), while griefing specifically refers to using the game's mechanics to cause trouble for other players.