Gaming
pwn
What does pwn mean?
In hacking, to gain full control over a system or account.
"The attacker pwned the server within minutes."
Origin
Widely believed to originate as a keyboard typo of 'own' (p and o are adjacent) on 1990s-2000s gaming maps and chat, then adopted deliberately. The 'own = dominate' sense predates it; documentation appears in early internet-slang glossaries. The typo-origin story is the dominant account but not formally proven.
Frequently asked questions
What does pwn mean?
To completely defeat or dominate someone, in gaming or hacking.
Where did pwn come from?
It is widely held to be a typo of 'own' (adjacent keys) that stuck and became its own word, though that origin is unproven.
How is pwn pronounced?
Most say 'pone' (rhyming with 'own'), though 'pwn' and 'puh-own' are heard jokingly.
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