NPC Meaning: What Does NPC Mean in Slang?
Quick Answer
NPC stands for Non-Player Character. In gaming, NPCs are characters controlled by the computer. In slang, calling someone an "NPC" implies they lack original thought and just follow what others do or say.
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Start your free trialNPC: Gaming vs Slang
Gaming Definition
In video games, NPCs are:
- Characters not controlled by players
- Follow pre-programmed scripts
- Give quests, sell items, or populate the world
- Have limited, repetitive dialogue
Slang Definition
Calling someone an NPC suggests they:
- Lack independent thinking
- Repeat popular opinions without question
- Follow trends mindlessly
- Seem to run on "autopilot"
How NPC Became Slang
The term evolved through internet culture:
- Gaming origin - NPCs have scripted, predictable behavior
- Meme culture (2018) - "NPC Wojak" meme depicted people as gray, expressionless figures
- Political use - Initially used to mock those with mainstream political views
- General slang - Now used broadly for anyone seeming unoriginal
NPC Examples in Context
Describing behavior:
"He just repeats whatever he sees on TikTok. Total NPC."
Mocking trend-following:
"Everyone wearing the exact same outfit, NPC energy"
Gaming reference:
"Standing in line like NPCs waiting for a quest"
Self-aware humor:
"Me ordering the same coffee every day: I'm such an NPC"
Someone calls you an 'NPC' online. What are they implying?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
NPC on TikTok
NPC Streams
A 2023 TikTok trend where creators act like video game NPCs:
- Respond to gifts with scripted phrases
- Repeat the same actions/sounds
- "Ice cream so good" and similar catchphrases
- Interact with viewers like game characters
NPC as Insult
Used in comments to criticize:
- Unoriginal content
- Trend-chasing without creativity
- Repetitive behavior
Is Calling Someone an NPC Rude?
Usually yes. The term implies someone:
- Can't think for themselves
- Is boring or uninteresting
- Just follows the crowd
- Lacks personality
It's often used as an insult, though sometimes used humorously or self-deprecatingly.
NPC vs Related Terms
When People Use NPC
Critical uses:
- Dismissing someone's opinion as unoriginal
- Mocking trend followers
- Political arguments (often toxic)
Humorous uses:
- Self-deprecating jokes
- Observational humor about routines
- Gaming/meme references
The NPC Test (Joke)
Internet humor suggests "NPCs" can be identified by:
- Ordering pumpkin spice lattes
- Using only mainstream music
- Repeating viral phrases
- Having predictable daily routines
Note: This is satirical, everyone has routines and shared interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being called an NPC offensive?
Generally yes, it implies you can't think for yourself. The severity depends on context. Among friends joking around, it's mild. In arguments or from strangers, it's meant as an insult.
What does NPC mean on TikTok?
On TikTok, NPC can refer to either the insult (calling someone unoriginal) or the "NPC streaming" trend where creators roleplay as video game characters, responding to gifts with scripted catchphrases.
What's "NPC energy"?
"NPC energy" describes behaving in robotic, predictable, or scripted ways, like standing still staring at nothing, giving generic responses, or following routines mindlessly.
Is everyone who follows trends an NPC?
No, enjoying popular things doesn't make someone an NPC. The term (unfairly) targets people perceived as having no original thoughts at all. Most people have both mainstream and unique interests.
Related Terms
Internet Slang:
- Clout Meaning - Social influence
- Ratio Meaning - Getting ratioed
- Slay Meaning - Doing something well
- FOMO Meaning - Fear of missing out
Platform Terms:
- FYP Meaning - TikTok For You Page
- Heart Emoji Meanings - What each heart color means
Common Acronyms:
- BRB Meaning - Be Right Back
- BTW Meaning - By The Way
More Terms:
- Social Media Terms - Complete glossary