Word Spy - dictionary flame

n. A negatively-charged message that complains about a person's spelling mistakes, word usage, or grammar.

Example Citation:

"The Internet provides an unedited forum for people who are unaccustomed to writing, as well as for many non-native English speakers. So the Net is riddled with writings containing 'creative' spelling and grammar, thus providing much bait for the intolerant to send dictionary flames to the authors."

Notes:

The flame—a scathing message laced with sarcasm and venomous abuse; the electronic version of the poison pen—has become such an integral part of Internet culture that it has developed its own subgenre of colorful lingo and phrases. Here's a sampling:

asbestos longjohns: What e-mailers put on (metaphorically speaking, of course) before sending a message they expect will get flamed. Other popular flame-retardant garments are asbestos overcoats and asbestos underwear.

burble: Similar to a flame, except that the burbler is considered to be dumb, incompetent, or ignorant.

firefighters: People who attempt to put out flame wars before they get out of hand.

flamage: The content of a flame. This word seems to be a blend of the words "flame" and "verbiage."

flame bait: Provocative material in a message that will likely elicit flames in response.

flame war: A series of flames.

flame warrior: A person who surfs the Net looking for flame bait. Someone who tries to start flame wars intentionally.

flamer: A person who flames regularly.

rave: A particularly irritating type of flame in which the writer rambles on ad nauseum, even after a flame war has ended.

Categories:

E-mail
Language (General)

Posted on May 29, 1997