Word of the Day: NERF

Foam rubber is harmless, right?

nerf (verb) - to weaken or reduce the effectiveness of an attribute, ability, or action in a game in an effort to minimize imbalance or expand competition [nurf]

• a nerf is the action or result of a reduction of effectiveness; the opposite of a buff

• a nerf can also be a small collision, either accidental or intentional, between two racing vehicles

• a nerfbat is a metaphorical tool wielded by a game developer or moderator to minimize the efficacy of an in-game attribute, ability, or action

BREAKDOWN: The term nerf is both known and feared by anyone who plays modern digital and analog games in which developers and designers strive to maintain competitive balance and expand viable options. The obvious origin for this term is the popular line of foam balls, weapons, and toys first introduced by Parker Brothers in 1969. What many don’t know is that those soft foam-based toys were named for the foam used to wrap rollbars in racing and offroad vehicles. In fact, nerfing is a long-established term for one vehicle bumping another in a race. While these nerfs can sometimes be accidental, they are often intentionally initiated to test another driver’s nerves, which likely explains why the word nerf is associated with nerve in many languages.

“If you want a language that tries to lock up all the sharp objects and fire-making implements, use Pascal or Ada: the Nerf languages, harmless fun for children of all ages, and they won't mar the furniture.” —Scott Fahlman

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]