Gaming
smurf
What does smurf mean?
As a verb, to play on such an account and dominate below your skill level.
"He spends all night smurfing in bronze lobbies."
Origin
Coined in the late 1990s by two Warcraft II players who made secret accounts named after the Smurfs cartoon to play opponents who'd dodge their main accounts. The name stuck across all of gaming.
Frequently asked questions
What does smurf mean in gaming?
A smurf is a strong player using a low-rank account to face weaker opponents. The term comes from 90s Warcraft II players who named their secret accounts after the Smurfs.
Is smurfing against the rules?
It depends on the game, but most studios discourage or ban it because it ruins matches for lower-ranked players. It's widely frowned upon either way.
What's the difference between a smurf and an alt?
An alt is just a secondary account, while a smurf specifically implies you're much better than the rank you're playing in. Every smurf is an alt, but not every alt is a smurf.
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