[MR] A Matter of Terminology

[jbrmm266 at aol.com]

My teenage sons have explained to me that among the young, "newbie" is a fairly benign expression, slightly derogatory but in a jesting sort of way, while "noob" (or n00b, as written in 1337) is a slam. 

A "newbie" is someone new to the game, a bit naive and inept, but learning and improving (or at least willing to do so). 

A "noob" is someone who is either incapable or unwilling to learn or improve. 

If we're trying not to disaffect newcomers, why don't we call them just that, newcomers or perhaps novices; and avoid the accidental (or deliberate) slamming of the newly arrived? 

I know that "newbie" has a long history in the SCA, dating back to at least when I was one, and that was in AS VIII (1973). 

Your servant aye
Donal

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