Why can't y'all remember noob vs newb/newbie

[Fyrebrand]

I agree that "newbie" and "noob" indicate rather different tones or attitudes, with "noob" typically being understood as a scornful or shameful term.

"Newbie" is like a bare statement of fact, it is someone who is new to the content. "Noob" comes with baggage, though. It implies a negative opinion of someone, however unstated. You could say "git gud noob," but I've never seen anyone ever say "git gud newbie." Likewise, you might see ads for FCs that openly welcome "newbies" or "new players," but I never see them offering an open palm toward "noobs." It is understood that this term holds a negative connotation.

I'm sure they get used interchangeably from time to time, though. It depends on the context. For example, someone might jokingly refer to themself as a noob if they're screwing up. Or if you call someone you're familiar with a noob, it can be understood as a friendly jab. But among strangers in Duty Finder, subtle differences can matter. You should not call someone you don't know a "noob." Them's fightin' words.

That said, I'm not sure how much of an issue this really is..? I haven't seen this happening, at least not in my experience. If someone is unironically tossing around "noob" as an insult in this day and age, wow -- they need to grow up. That's something a 13 year old would say, in like 1997. Next, they'll be claiming to be a "1337 h4x0r."