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nerf - What does it mean?

Definition of 'nerf'

English

(NERF)

Etymology 1

From automobile racing; to bump another car (ca. 1950s?).

Verb

(en-verb)
  • (auto racing) To bump lightly, whether accidentally or purposefully.
  • A racer will often nerf another as a psychological tactic.

    Derived terms

    * nerf bar * nerf net

    Etymology 2

    From the trademark NERF (an abbreviation of "non-expanding recreational foam"), a range of toys made of soft foam, ineffective as actual weapons (1969).

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • (slang) to water down, dumb down or especially weaken, particularly in video games.
  • The lightning spell was pretty powerful before they nerfed it.

    Anagrams

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