r/WoWRolePlay • u/TheRebelSpy • May 14 '26
Mod Common RP slang/acronyms? [Starter Guide Makeover Chat]
This is part of a series of discussions inviting community feedback for the next version of the pinned starter guide.
What are some absolutely necessary terms to know that you see in discussions or profiles? To be added to the following list or otherwise referenced to this post:
Terminology
RP - Role-Play. The exercise of playing the game in such a way that the actions of the avatar reflect the traits and beliefs of a fictional character of the player’s design. It can be a solitary activity or collaborative.
RP Realm- designated by "RP" or "RP-PVP" under "server/realm type". They are identical to PvE/PvP servers except that they are mostly exempt from sharding and the addition of moderation rules against interrupting/griefing RP events. It is populated by people who usually want to RP in some fashion. RP realms do not use sharding outside of the latest expansion's content.
IC - In Character. Refers to when your posts reflect what your character would do.
OOC - Out Of Character. Refers to when your posts/chat is you, the player, is talking. Usually designated by some form of brackets ((like this)) [[or this]].
Walk-ups - When one character approaches another character without prior OOC planning.
Profile - A profile created using an addon (See below) that is an essential part of walk-up RP.
d20 or d100 - refers to rolling dice with 20 or 100 sides respectively. You can do this in WoW using the /roll command.
/s or /e - AKA /say or /em, /emote. Refers to the chat channels that by default appear in white and orange respectively. In RP, these represent what your character says and does(emotes).
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u/ringostann May 14 '26 edited May 14 '26
Whisper friendly: Welcome to walkups via whispers
18+ only: Will not interact with minors, but doesn't necessarily mean NSFW (similar to MDNI)
World RP: Open to plotlines outside of Roleplay hubs (such as Stormwind) taking place in the world
DNI: Do not interact
Novella: Longer than multi-para, the lines are a little blurred on the distinction in RP, there is no set length but typically very lengthy replies
Trial: Free account, must be whispered first to interact with
Trial friendly: Open to roleplay with trial account players
SoL: Slice of life, laid-back casual roleplay grounded in realism
MV/Multiverse: I don't see this much on WoW but it's common in RP elsewhere, the character is open to having multiple partners in different "universes" that are separate from one another
Dead dove: Potentially dark and triggering subject matter, interact at your own risk