Gen Z Slang: NPC Meaning

"NPC" stands for "Non-Player Character," a term borrowed from video gaming. In games, an NPC is a character controlled by the computer rather than a human player. They are typically used to populate the game world and provide quests, dialogue, and ambiance, but they do not make decisions or take actions that are not pre-scripted.

"NPC" Origins

The term "NPC" originates from the video gaming community, where it was used to distinguish characters that players interact with but are not actively controlling. It has since been adopted into everyday slang to describe people perceived as conforming, non-thinking, or going through life in an automated, uncritical manner, akin to the in-game characters who lack self-awareness.

Examples of Use for "NPC"

The following are some ways people might use this term in conversation or messaging:

• "He's such an NPC, he just repeats whatever he hears on the news without thinking about it."
• "I can't believe she's still dating him. Total NPC move."
• "Whenever I ask him his opinion, he just echoes whatever the majority is saying. Classic NPC behavior."

Understanding "NPC" in Modern Conversations

Wondering how to fit "NPC" into your daily dialogues? Here are a few guidelines!

1. Explaining Behaviour: When someone is acting in a robotic or predictable manner, you might comment, "He's acting like an NPC today, just going through the motions."
2. Humorous Commentary: In light-hearted conversations, use "NPC" to inject some humor. For instance, "I felt like an NPC at work today, doing the same tasks over and over."
3. Pop Culture References: When discussing video games or movies, you can reference non-player characters by saying, "That character was such a typical NPC, no real personality."
4. Adapting Contextually: Ensure that your use of "NPC" aligns with the understanding of your audience, especially if they are familiar with gaming culture.

Is "NPC" Positive or Negative?

Generally, "NPC" is used as a negative term. It implies that someone is either unable or unwilling to think for themselves and merely follows the crowd or repeats pre-programmed responses without critical evaluation.