Top 41 Slang For Forum – Meaning & Usage

Forums, the virtual meeting places where like-minded individuals gather to discuss various topics, have their own unique language that can sometimes feel like a mystery to newcomers. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! Our team has scoured the depths of the internet to bring you a curated list of the most popular and essential forum slang that will have you navigating these online communities like a pro in no time. So sit back, relax, and get ready to level up your forum game with our comprehensive guide.

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1. Thread

A thread refers to a series of connected messages or posts on a forum or message board that are related to a specific topic. Threads allow users to engage in conversations and share information.

For example, “I started a thread about my favorite TV show and got lots of responses.”
In a forum about cooking, someone might ask, “Can anyone recommend a good thread about baking bread?”
A user might reply to a thread with, “I found a great thread discussing different gardening techniques.”

2. Post

A post is an individual message or comment made by a user on a forum or message board. Posts can contribute to an ongoing discussion within a thread or start a new conversation.

For instance, “I made a post asking for advice on repairing my car.”
In a thread about a new movie release, someone might post, “I just saw the movie and thought it was amazing!”
A user might reply to a post with, “I completely agree with what you said in your post.”

3. Threadjack

To threadjack means to divert or hijack a discussion by introducing an unrelated topic. It disrupts the flow of the conversation and can be seen as disrespectful.

For example, “Please don’t threadjack this discussion about politics with unrelated memes.”
In a thread about a specific video game, someone might threadjack by saying, “Has anyone tried the new pizza place in town?”
A user might respond to a threadjacker with, “Let’s stay on topic and not threadjack this important conversation.”

4. Troll

A troll is someone who intentionally posts inflammatory or offensive comments with the goal of provoking a negative response from others. Trolls often try to disrupt discussions and create conflict.

For instance, “I encountered a troll who was insulting everyone in the thread.”
In a heated debate, someone might accuse another user of being a troll, saying, “Stop trolling and contribute something constructive.”
A user might warn others by saying, “Don’t engage with the troll. They’re just looking for attention.”

5. Mod

A mod, short for moderator, is a user who has been given special privileges to enforce the rules and maintain order within a forum or message board. Mods can delete posts, ban users, and ensure discussions stay on topic.

For example, “I reported the spam to the mod, and they took care of it.”
In a thread where someone was being disrespectful, a mod might step in and say, “Please remember to be civil and follow the forum guidelines.”
A user might ask a mod for clarification, saying, “Can a mod explain why my post was deleted?”

6. Sticky

A “sticky” post is a thread or topic that has been “pinned” to the top of a forum or message board. This means that it remains in a prominent position and does not get pushed down by newer posts.

For example, a forum moderator might create a sticky post with important rules or guidelines for the community.
In a discussion about a specific topic, a user might request, “Can a moderator please make this thread sticky?”
Another user might say, “I found the answer in the sticky post at the top of the forum.”

7. Bump

To “bump” a post means to bring it back to the top of the forum or message board by adding a new comment or reply to it. This is done to increase visibility and keep the post active.

For instance, if a user’s question hasn’t received any responses, they might bump the post to get more attention.
In a classifieds section, a user might bump their listing to ensure it doesn’t get buried by newer listings.
Another user might comment, “Bump for visibility” to show support for a post.

8. Lurker

A “lurker” is someone who reads or observes the conversations and discussions on a forum or message board without actively participating or contributing.

For example, a user might say, “I’ve been a lurker on this forum for years before finally deciding to join.”
In a discussion about forum etiquette, someone might advise, “Don’t be a lurker, participate and contribute to the community.”
Another user might comment, “I used to be a lurker, but now I enjoy actively engaging in discussions.”

9. Flame

To “flame” someone means to engage in hostile or insulting behavior towards them in an online forum or message board. This can involve personal attacks, offensive language, or aggressive arguments.

For instance, a user might say, “Please refrain from flaming others and keep the discussion civil.”
In a heated debate, someone might accuse another user of “flaming” them instead of presenting valid arguments.
Another user might comment, “I had to report that person for flaming me in a private message.”

10. PM

A “PM” or “private message” is a direct, one-on-one communication between two users on a forum or message board. It allows for confidential or personal conversations that are not visible to the rest of the community.

For example, a user might say, “I’ll send you a PM with more details about that topic.”
In a discussion about a sensitive issue, someone might suggest, “Let’s take this conversation to PM to avoid cluttering the thread.”
Another user might ask, “Can you PM me the link to that article?”

11. Avatar

An avatar is a visual representation of a user in an online forum or community. It is a small image or graphic that represents the user’s identity.

For example, “I changed my avatar to a picture of my favorite superhero.”
In a discussion about online gaming, someone might comment, “I love the customization options for creating avatars in this game.”
Another user might ask, “Does anyone know how to change their avatar on this forum?”

12. Signature

A signature is a block of text or an image that appears at the bottom of a user’s forum posts. It is often used to add a personal touch or provide additional information about the user.

For instance, “I added a funny quote to my signature.”
In a discussion about forum etiquette, someone might mention, “Be mindful of the size of your signature to avoid cluttering the thread.”
Another user might ask, “How do I create a custom signature for my profile?”

13. Banhammer

The term “banhammer” refers to the authority or power held by forum moderators to ban or remove users from the forum. It implies a swift and decisive action taken against rule-breakers.

For example, “The moderator dropped the banhammer on the troll, removing them from the forum.”
In a discussion about forum rules, someone might say, “Don’t test the mods or you’ll feel the banhammer.”
Another user might ask, “What’s the banhammer policy for this forum?”

14. Doxx

To “doxx” someone is to publicly reveal or share their personal information, such as their real name, address, or contact details, without their consent. It is a violation of privacy and can lead to harassment or harm.

For instance, “The user was banned for attempting to doxx another member of the forum.”
In a discussion about online safety, someone might warn, “Be careful not to accidentally doxx yourself by sharing too much personal information.”
Another user might ask, “What can we do to prevent doxxing on this forum?”

15. Upvote

An upvote is a way for users to show their approval or support for a post or comment in a forum. It is often represented by an arrow pointing upward and indicates that the content is valuable or relevant.

For example, “I gave your post an upvote because I agree with your point.”
In a discussion about popular threads, someone might mention, “That post has received hundreds of upvotes.”
Another user might ask, “How many upvotes does a post need to reach the front page of the forum?”

16. TOS

The rules and guidelines that users must agree to follow when using a forum. These terms outline the acceptable behaviors and actions, as well as the consequences for violating the rules.

For instance, “Make sure to read the TOS before participating in the forum.”
A user might ask, “Did you see the updated TOS? There are some new restrictions.”
Another might say, “I got a warning for breaking the TOS, so now I’m more careful.”

17. DoS

A type of cyber attack where the attacker overwhelms a website or forum with a flood of requests, causing the site to become slow or unavailable to legitimate users.

For example, “The forum was down for hours due to a DoS attack.”
A user might ask, “Is the site experiencing a DoS attack? It’s been really slow.”
Another might say, “We need to implement stronger security measures to prevent DoS attacks.”

18. Sh*tpost

A sh*tpost refers to a post that is of low quality or irrelevant to the topic being discussed. It is often used as a derogatory term to describe posts that contribute nothing meaningful to the conversation.

For example, “Stop sh*tposting and contribute something useful.”
In a discussion about a serious topic, someone might comment, “This thread is filled with sh*tposts.”
A user might complain, “The forum used to have great discussions, but now it’s just full of sh*tposts.”

19. Hivemind

Hivemind refers to the collective mindset or consensus of a group of individuals. It suggests that the group is thinking or acting as one, often without considering differing opinions or perspectives.

For instance, “The forum has a hivemind mentality where dissenting opinions are not tolerated.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might point out, “The hivemind is strong in this thread.”
A user might comment, “The hivemind mentality on this forum is stifling productive conversation.”

20. Newbie

Newbie is a term used to describe a new or inexperienced user on a forum. It is often used in a lighthearted or welcoming manner to indicate that the person is new to the community.

For example, “Welcome to the forum, newbie! Feel free to ask any questions.”
In a discussion about forum etiquette, someone might advise, “Be patient with newbies and help them navigate the platform.”
A user might ask, “Any tips for a newbie on how to get started?”

21. Modding

Modding refers to the act of modifying or customizing a forum or its content. It can involve changing the appearance, functionality, or rules of the forum to better suit the needs or preferences of the users.

For instance, “I spent hours modding my forum to make it look unique.”
In a discussion about forum software, someone might ask, “Is modding allowed on this platform?”
A user might share, “I created a mod for the forum that adds new features.”

22. Subforum

A subforum is a subsection or category within a larger forum. It is used to organize discussions and topics into specific areas, allowing users to easily find and participate in conversations that interest them.

For example, “There is a subforum dedicated to gaming where you can discuss your favorite video games.”
In a discussion about forum structure, someone might suggest, “We should create a new subforum for off-topic discussions.”
A user might ask, “Which subforum should I post this question in?”

23. Threadstarter

The term “Threadstarter” refers to the person who starts a new discussion thread on a forum. They are responsible for initiating the conversation and setting the topic for others to participate in.

For example, “The threadstarter asked an interesting question that sparked a lively debate.”
In a forum with many active users, the threadstarter might be recognized as someone who frequently starts engaging discussions.
When replying to a thread, users might refer to the threadstarter’s original post by saying, “As the threadstarter mentioned…”

24. Flaming

Flaming is a term used to describe the act of intentionally insulting or attacking other users in an online forum. It often involves the use of offensive language, personal attacks, or derogatory remarks.

For instance, “The user was banned from the forum for flaming and violating the community guidelines.”
In a heated discussion, someone might accuse another user of flaming by saying, “Stop flaming and have a civil conversation.”
A forum moderator might issue a warning to a user engaged in flaming, stating, “Your behavior is unacceptable. Please refrain from flaming other members.”

25. Doxxing

Doxxing refers to the act of publicly sharing private or personal information about an individual without their permission. This information can include their real name, address, phone number, or any other identifying details.

For example, “The user was doxxed after a heated argument on the forum.”
In a discussion about online privacy, someone might warn others about the dangers of doxxing by saying, “Be cautious about sharing personal information online to avoid being doxxed.”
If someone suspects they have been doxxed, they might seek advice from the forum community by asking, “What should I do if I’ve been doxxed?”

26. Spoiler

In the context of a forum, a spoiler refers to the act of sharing crucial details or information about a book, movie, or TV show that may ruin the surprise or suspense for others who have not yet experienced it.

For instance, “Please use spoiler tags when discussing the latest episode to avoid spoiling it for those who haven’t watched it yet.”
In a thread about a popular movie, someone might warn others about spoilers by saying, “Beware of spoilers in the comments below.”
A user might share their excitement after watching a highly anticipated movie without revealing any spoilers by saying, “Just saw the movie and it was amazing! No spoilers, but you won’t be disappointed.”

27. Necro

Necro is a term used to describe the act of reviving a thread on a forum that has been inactive or dormant for a significant period of time. By posting in the thread, the user brings it back to the top of the forum’s list of active discussions.

For example, “Please refrain from necroing old threads. Start a new discussion instead.”
In a thread that hasn’t been active for months, a user might jokingly comment, “Necro alert! This thread is back from the dead.”
If someone finds an old thread with valuable information, they might revive it by saying, “I know this is a necro, but I found this thread and wanted to share my thoughts.”

28. OP

This refers to the person who started a discussion or made the initial post. The term identifies the original post among the follow-up comments.

For instance, if someone shares a story on a forum, they are the OP of that thread.
In a lengthy discussion thread, a user might ask, “Can the OP provide more details?”
Someone might support the initial post with a comment like, “I agree with the OP on this matter.”

29. LMAO

Used to express extreme laughter or amusement. It indicates that something is very funny and has caused the person to laugh uncontrollably.

For example, “That joke was hilarious! LMAO!”
A user might comment, “I just watched the funniest video. LMAO the whole time!”
Another might say, “I can’t stop laughing at this meme. LMAO!”

30. IMO

Used to preface a statement or opinion. It indicates that the following statement is the personal viewpoint of the user.

For instance, “IMO, this movie is the best of the year.”
A user might comment, “IMO, pineapple does not belong on pizza.”
Another might say, “IMO, this forum is the best place to discuss this topic.”

31. TL;DR

Used to summarize a lengthy post or article. It indicates that the user did not read the entire content and is providing a brief summary.

For example, “TL;DR: The article discusses the impact of climate change on polar bears.”
A user might comment, “TL;DR: Can someone provide a summary of the thread?”
Another might say, “I skimmed the article, but TL;DR: it’s about the latest technology advancements.”

32. IRL

Used to differentiate between online or virtual interactions and real-life interactions. It indicates that the following statement or experience occurred in the physical world.

For instance, “I met my online friend IRL for the first time.”
A user might comment, “IRL, this product works much better than it appears online.”
Another might say, “I’ve been practicing yoga online, but I can’t wait to try it IRL.”

33. NSFW

This acronym is used to indicate that the content being shared is inappropriate for a work or professional environment. It warns users to exercise caution when viewing or opening the content.

For example, a user might comment, “NSFW link, be careful when opening it!”
In a discussion about internet etiquette, someone might advise, “Always mark NSFW content to avoid surprising or offending others.”
A user might ask, “Is there a way to filter out NSFW posts from my feed?”

34. Derail

To derail a thread or discussion means to steer it away from the original topic or purpose. It often refers to comments or posts that are unrelated or tangential to the main discussion.

For instance, if a user starts discussing their favorite TV show in a thread about politics, someone might comment, “Let’s not derail the conversation with unrelated topics.”
In a heated debate, one user might accuse another of derailing the discussion by introducing irrelevant arguments.
A moderator might step in and say, “Please stay on topic and avoid derailing the thread.”

35. TIL

Users share fascinating facts or information they just learned. It’s a way to share newfound knowledge with the community.

For instance, “TIL that honey never spoils.”
A user might post, “TIL that the shortest war in history lasted just 38 minutes.”
Another might say, “TIL that the word ‘set’ has the highest number of different meanings in the English language.”

36. AMA

A platform for users to answer questions about a specific topic or experience. It’s a chance for forum members to interact with experts or interesting individuals.

For example, “I’m a professional chef. AMA!”
A celebrity might post, “I just released my new album. AMA about the making of it!”
An expert in a niche field might say, “I study ancient civilizations. AMA about the mysteries of the past!”

37. IMHO

This acronym is often used to preface a personal opinion or statement. It acknowledges that the opinion being expressed is subjective and may not be universally agreed upon.

For example, a user might comment, “IMHO, the new movie was a disappointment.”
In a debate, someone might say, “IMHO, the government should prioritize education funding.”
Another user might add, “IMHO, pineapple does not belong on pizza.”

38. AFK

A term used to indicate that a user will be temporarily unavailable or not actively participating in the forum. It is often used as a courtesy to let others know that the user is not ignoring them.

For example, a user might say, “I’ll be AFK for a few minutes, be right back!”
In a gaming forum, someone might ask, “Is it okay to go AFK during a multiplayer match?”
Another user might reply, “Sure, just let your teammates know that you’ll be AFK for a while.”

39. ELI5

A request for a simple and easy-to-understand explanation. Users use this acronym to ask for a simplified explanation of a complex topic or concept.

For instance, a user might ask, “Can someone ELI5 how cryptocurrency works?”
In a discussion about a scientific discovery, someone might say, “I need someone to ELI5 the implications of this research.”
Another user might reply, “Sure, here’s an ELI5 version: it’s like a puzzle where all the pieces fit together to form a bigger picture.”

40. SMH

An expression of disapproval, disappointment, or disbelief. It is often used in response to something foolish or ridiculous.

For example, a user might comment, “Just saw someone littering. SMH.”
In a discussion about a controversial decision, someone might say, “The management’s choice is just SMH.”
Another user might reply, “SMH at the lack of common sense in this thread.”

41. IANAL

This acronym is commonly used on forums to indicate that the person speaking is not a legal professional and their advice should not be taken as legal advice. It is often used as a disclaimer before offering an opinion or insight on a legal matter.

For example, someone might say, “IANAL, but I think you should consult with an attorney before signing that contract.”
In a discussion about a legal issue, a user might preface their comment with, “IANAL, but it seems like the plaintiff has a strong case.”
Another user might ask for clarification by saying, “IANAL, can you explain what you mean by ‘tort law’?”