What does Lag mean?
A delay in data transfer
Detailed Explanation
'Lag' refers to a noticeable delay between a user's action and the response from a server, most commonly experienced in online gaming or video conferencing. This delay, caused by high latency or a poor network connection, results in a choppy, delayed, or unresponsive experience. It is a universal frustration for internet users.
Usage Examples
“I couldn't shoot the enemy because my game was lagging so bad.”
“Sorry, my video is frozen, my internet is lagging.”
“This server is unplayable due to the constant lag.”
Origin & History
The term has been used in online systems since at least the 1980s with MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) and other early networked games. It became a household term with the explosion of broadband internet and online multiplayer gaming in the 2000s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lag the same as low FPS?
No, though they can feel similar. Lag is a network issue (slow connection to the server). Low FPS (Frames Per Second) is a hardware issue, meaning your computer itself is struggling to render the game, resulting in stuttering graphics.