Internet Pop Culture Dictionary

Noob - A noob is a user that is naive, uninformed or just new. This form of the word is less malicious and slightly nicer than others, and is typically assigned to newcomers to internet message boards, or online PC games. Being called a “noob” isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it could just mean that your lack of familiarity with the venue at hand is being called out. So raise your head proudly, because one day you too will berate and/or lament the influx of “noobs” and their strange and peculiar habits.

Newb - This is a cutesy version of the form mentioned above. This is the kind that you’ll see published in columns in the New York Times or mentioned on Dateline. People using this form of the word usually don’t fully understand the connotations associated with it and think they are being edgey and “cool.” Let me assure you that this form of the word will impart the following message to the recipient: “I heard someone say this word before and I’m pretty sure it means that I am cooler than you. I also think the internet is a series of tubes.”

n00b - This is, sadly, the most common denomination of the word “noob.” Users of this word typically are “e-thugs” but I will leave that definition for another day. Suffice it to say, anyone who types this word is trying to demean you over ‘teh internets’ through means of typing in quasi leet-speak and acting like an idiot. This form of the word can also be interpretted when someone says it out loud; just listen for dramatic over-emphasis.