GG

GG is short for “good game”. Players type or say it at the end of a match, win or lose, much like shaking hands after a sports fixture. It is one of the most widespread pieces of gaming slang and works across almost every competitive game.

Several variations exist. GGWP adds “well played”. GLHF, “good luck, have fun”, is the matching greeting at the start of a match. In some competitive games, typing GG is the traditional way to concede when a match is clearly lost.

Sincere, sarcastic and premature

Like a handshake, GG can be genuine or not. Most of the time it is simple courtesy. But players also use it sarcastically. Typing GG early in a match, while the game is still going, can be a way of saying “we have already lost” or blaming team-mates, which discourages the team. Some players reply “GG EZ” (“good game, easy”) after winning, which is widely considered unsporting and is filtered or flagged in some games’ chat systems.

Outside games, “GG” has spread into everyday online language, meaning “that’s over” or “well done”, sometimes with an ironic edge.

Sportsmanship in esports

In professional esports, GG plays the same role as shaking hands. Players often type it at the end of matches, and events encourage good conduct between rivals. It is a small ritual, but it helps keep competition friendly.

A good habit to encourage

For young players, saying GG at the end of every match, whatever the result, is an easy and positive habit. It models good sportsmanship and tends to set a friendlier tone with other players. If a child is on the receiving end of “GG EZ” or similar taunts, it is worth reassuring them that it reflects badly on the sender, and showing them how to mute chat if it keeps happening.