- npc
What does NPC mean?
Gen Slang Word NPC is used or popularized by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Understand the definition of NPC so that we can better use it. Language is constantly evolving, especially among the younger generation. Mastering emerging slang can help adults (such as parents and teachers) better understand the way young people think and their cultural background, and avoid the gap caused by the generation gap.
The Definition of NPC
Definition: Someone who cannot think for themselves and/or has no or little control over their own life, is ready to agree with popular opinion unquestioningly, and always believes what they are told; someone who acts robotic, similar to an NPC (non-player character) in a video game..
Examples: "He's such an NPC. He has no personality."
Variations: Non-playable Character
Origin: First gained popularity in late 2018 around the United States Midterm elections, where it was frequently used by supporters of then U.S. president Donald Trump to mock his opponents. It experienced a resurgence in popularity again in 2022 via TikTok. Originates from non-player characters in video games which can only be interacted with in limited ways and have static, preprogrammed behaviors controlled by the game's developer.
Alphabetical Index of Slang Words
Generation Z, often abbreviated as Gen Z and colloquially referred to as Zoomers, includes individuals born from 1997 to the early 2010s. The Pew Research Center defines this generation as spanning from 1997 to 2012. This definition has been acknowledged by both the United States Library of Congress and Statistics Canada. A 2022 report from the U.S. Census Bureau identifies Generation Z as those born from 1997 to 2013. Members of this generation experienced the onset and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic during their childhood or early adulthood.
Generation Alpha, or Gen Alpha, is the cohort that follows Generation Z. Researchers and popular media generally consider the early 2010s as the starting point for this generation, with the mid-2020s marking its conclusion. Generation Alpha is notable for being the first generation born entirely in the 21st century. By 2015, approximately 2.5 million individuals were born each week globally, and it is projected that Gen Alpha will reach nearly two billion in size by 2025.