On occasion, the internet creates unique phrases and terms found nowhere else. Plenty of terms come from the real world and filter into the internet, though. Then sometimes web users take phrases and twist them into something new. That’s exactly what happened with “GG”, a term that stands for “good game”. Without a doubt, most people have heard or used that term in real life. Chances are high they’ve seen it thrown around online, too.

A Term That Started In The Real World Forever Ago…

People use “good game” in the real world to showcase respect after a competition. It’s a popular phrase after a game of sport, both amateur and professional. In fact, some individuals might utilize the phrase after a game of cards or something silly. Human beings used “good game” years ago, and they’ll continue to use the phrase moving forward. You won’t find a much more simple and common phrase these days.

…Taken and Adapted By Internet Users A Couple Decades Ago

On the internet, “GG” and “good game” hold the same kind of connotation. The acronym developed with the rise of online gaming in the 1990s and early 2000s. Players started congratulating opponents with a quick “good game” after matches through text chat. In no time at all, gamers shortened the phrase to “GG” to save time and effort. “GG” remains a simple show of respect after any form of online competition.

Twisting The Original Meaning of The Phrase Into Its Exact Opposite

Then again, the internet wouldn’t be the internet without a little twisting of the term. Both “GG” and “good game” don’t always convey respect between gamers. Many people use the terms online in a sarcastic or disrespectful manner. For instance, a player might throw a “GG” into the chat before victory is assured. They use the acronym as a show of disrespect and self-confidence. “GG” is much more common in this case than “good game”.

Context Determines The Intention Behind “GG” Online

Only the internet could allow an acronym like “GG” to feature dual meanings. In each case, context determines whether users intend respect or disrespect. A “GG” after a close online match often denotes respect. Tossing a “GG” into the chat at the beginning of a match often conjures a sense of massive disrespect. Although the term may be positive or negative, most people don’t take or use the term with much seriousness.

An Online Gaming Acronym That’s Used Thousands of Times Per Day

The average person online doesn’t care about a positive or negative “GG”. Since “GG” is commonly used in gaming, players may never encounter each other again. A positive or negative “GG” might evoke a response from someone for a moment, but that’s it. Most people don’t think twice about a “GG”, whether it’s positive or negative. Either way, every single person that plays online games understands the term’s basic meaning.

“GG” and Its Modifications or Related Terms

“GG” can be modified with other acronyms in online gaming. For example, “GGWP” stands for “good game well played”. Once again, the usage of “GGWP” can be positive or negative based on context. “GG EZ” means “good game easy” and is almost always a negative phrase to disrespect opponents. Related online gaming terms include “GLHF” (good luck have fun) and “GN” (good night), among a countless variety of other acronyms.

The Web Version of “GG” Is Now Used In The Real World, Too

As previously mentioned, “GG” was adopted from the real world term “good game”. It was then twisted into a term with dual contextual meanings. That version of “GG” and “good game” has now spread back into the real world. Many people now use both the acronym and the actual term in their everyday lives. Unsurprisingly, a term spit out of the internet still maintains both its positive, respectful usage and its sarcastic, rude usage.

A Term That’s Going To Grow In Usage Moving Forward

“Good game” as a real world term has probably been around for centuries. On the web, “GG” and “good game” hold a 20-year history from online gaming. Neither version of the term will disappear anytime soon as online gaming continues to expand. Younger generations tend to identify with the term more than older individuals. Nonetheless, most people have heard the term or understand its basic meaning today.