What does Tryhard mean?
Someone who puts too much effort into something
Detailed Explanation
A 'tryhard' is a derogatory term for a person who puts an excessive amount of effort into something, like a video game or a social situation, to the point where it seems desperate or unsportsmanlike. In gaming, it's used to insult someone who is playing too seriously in a casual setting. In social contexts, it describes someone who is trying too hard to be cool or popular.
Usage Examples
“It's just a casual game, stop being such a tryhard.”
“He was the only one in a full costume at the party, what a tryhard.”
“She's a tryhard who always needs to have the best score in everything.”
Origin & History
The term has been a staple of online gaming culture since the early 2000s. It was used to mock players who used hyper-competitive strategies in casual game modes, thereby ruining the fun for others. It has since expanded to describe this behavior in any context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being a 'tryhard' always bad?
In its slang usage, it's almost always an insult. It implies that the person's effort is cringe-worthy or inappropriate for the context. However, the behavior it describes (working hard) is not inherently negative.