Noob


 * This article is about the slang term. For the Wizards' Guild society, see New Order Occult Bookists

Noob or Newb is a pejorative term used amongst RuneScape players and much of the gaming communities in general. Although "noob" may have different meanings in other games, it is usually mentioned in a derogatory way in RuneScape. "Noob" is sometimes used by players in an unoffensive way to refer to a new player. Similar words, such as Froob, Narb, and Choob, are also used, albeit uncommonly. "Nub" and "newb" can be a variation of "noob", and may or may not be pronounced in the same way.

Players cannot be reported for using the word "noob" unless it is done to an excessive degree, whereby it breaks Rule 1 for spamming. This can result in blackmarks or other punishments.

Usage
"Noob" is used by many people simply as an insult regardless of the context, as it is an insult that a player cannot get banned for saying. Even a player of a much lower level may still call another player "noob" for being annoying to them, or for doing something that an experienced player, in their opinion, should know better than to do.

Whilst many players use "noob" to describe a new (usually low-level) player, this is not the only meaning. The word "noob" is also used to describe someone who begs or sabotages something (sometimes unintentionally), such as destroying barricades in Castle Wars. The reasons behind this are typically a lack of knowledge of the game or the rules of the game, meaning that level does not necessarily come into it. It may also be used to describe someone who simply acts stupidly, regardless of his or her experience. It can also refer to a player who has been playing for a while but because of some blunder can not become skilled at the game.

A "newb" usually refers to a new player, and is also a shorter version for "newbie". It is sometimes used as an insult, and therefore loses it's meaning for what it truly is. Some players even call themselves newbs (or noobs) because they need assistance.

Examples
There are Two Basic examples of how the word 'Noob' is frequently used. You hear these very commonly in Runescape, esspecially non-member servers.

An example of a player asking for help:
 * Player 1: "Can anyone help me? I'm a noob at this mini-game. =P"
 * Player 2: "Sure!"

An example of a player using "noob" to insult another by saying they're inexperienced:
 * Player 1: "Omg i found a air rune on the ground im soooo lucky!"
 * Player 2: "Lol! Noob!"

Usage in player-killing
Noob is somewhat commonly used by players to express frustration or annoyance against others, usually in Bounty Hunter, the Duel Arena, and Fist of Guthix. Some things the combatant can do which may incite the word "noob":


 * Have a high defence: "def nub"
 * Turn on a protection prayer: "prayer noob"
 * Eating above half health: "safer (noob)"
 * Attack a weakened player: "pjer (pile jumping noob)"
 * Eating any food at all, especially in Clan Wars: "food noob" or "eater (noob)"

Other phrases
There are many variations to the word "noob" or "newb", such as "n00b" or "nubblet", as well as many others variations. Some variations of noob are used sarcastically, such as "nub", "noobcake", or the uncommon "froob", "choob", or "narb".

According to Runescape's Player Dictionary, "froob" is a term for someone who has never left Lumbridge.

What to do if you are called one

 * If a player is called a "noob" they can either do nothing, or add the namecaller to their Ignore List. Jagex recommends this conservative approach.
 * If the player instead insults back (especially to an excessive degree) someone may report them for offensive language. It may be argued that the first namecaller has violated Rule 9 (Encouraging Others to Break Rules). The name "noob" can be effectively ignored because the other player, who may be inexperienced, may just be disgruntled, and is venting their frustration for multiple reasons.
 * Some people argue that players who call others "noobs" are "noobs" themselves. As there is no clear definition of the term "noob", this may or may not be entirely true.
 * Players may also agree that they are a "noob" themselves. The person will usually stop after this.  If not, the player just has to leave the area, or go to another world.