Complaining players are often met with a “skill issue” response. What is the meaning of this phrase? Let’s find out!
What does skill issue mean?
The phrase “skill issue” has become a popular way to ridicule struggling players. It’s a rude, but unfortunately common reaction to opponents’ complaints about their defeat, especially when they try to justify their failure by pointing out the unfairness of the game, its bugs and bad design, or technical or connectivity issues. The point of using the phrase is to dismiss the argument by implying, often mockingly, that the only reason for the situation is a lack of ability (skill).
Similarly to a popular phrase “git gud” (“get good”), “skill issue” is a kind of mockery aimed to provoke, belittle, or enrage players by bluntly stating they should improve their low skills rather than look for excuses. It shifts all responsibility for failure onto the player, even if their arguments are valid.
Alternative usage of the phrase
It’s worth noting that “skill issue” can have a different meaning, especially when used in a group of friends or in a friendly stream chat. In cases like this, the phrase is often used with an additional emoticon or other phrases (such as lol) in order to emphasize its sarcastic character; it is written to mock the game rather than the player in situations where unfairness or error in its design is obvious.
Examples of such usage can include reactions to dying due to attacks clearly missing a player’s character, sudden and inevitable death caused by an unbalanced AI opponent, unexpected death by jumping from a low height, et cetera.
Skill issue meaning in games
The phrase is mainly used in multiplayer games such as Call of Duty or Apex Legends, where players often blame their failure on issues such as unlucky matchmaking, lag, or lack of balance. Responding with “skill issue” is a common occurrence, harshly dismissing these complaints, and suggesting that truly skilled players would win no matter the circumstances.
Another case of “skill issue” usage is reacting to complaints about difficulty or unfairness of games such as Dark Souls, known for their challenging boss fights and unforgiving combat system. Complaining players are often met with the cold, taunting advice of “git gud” or the “skill issue” phrase, implying that the games they’re playing are fair and they just need to stop whining and practice more.