This is a collection of terms used in the popular online game Left 4 Dead, and on its official forums. Perfect for the newcomer who has just bought the game and has no freakin' idea what that guy just said to him over the microphone.

             

These are the terms you'll probably hear most often.

NM, DT, DA, and BH
Short for each of the respective Campaigns: No Mercy, Death Toll, Dead Air and Blood Harvest. Since each is made up of five levels, players will often differentiate between them by their number i.e. NM3, BH4.

Smokered, Huntered/Pounced, Boomered
Terms to scream when attacked by the Special Infected. Allows your team to identify that you're in trouble, and what kind of measures they'll need to take to help you. Don't bother with “Witched” or “Tanked”. You're probably dead already.

Griefing
When a player intentionally attempts to ruin the game for everyone else, it is called “Griefing”. Griefing habits include: excessive friendly fire (or insta-killing in expert difficulty), spamming the in-game Survivor voice clips, committing suicide by jumping off a high place, or using exploits. Griefers are hated by all, except maybe other griefers. We have not yet found a way to round them all up in one game and shoot them.

Ragequit
Somebody who leaves the game at ridiculous points, usually because of extreme anger or frustration. Reasons may include:
- Not getting enough points (at any stage of the game).
- Finishing their turn as Infected on the first map.
- Losing a round, especially early on.
- Having new, unskilled, or slow players on their team.
- Other people raging.
- Griefing on either team.

Though a common term, it is often overused and applied to people who really do have to leave the game for real life reasons. Course, some would argue that starting a game of L4D without the intention of finishing it deserves that label anyway…

The Shiva Defense, Corner Camping, and Noob Stacking
The latest annoyance for the community, since most of the others were patched out. In order to avoid “push griefing”, Valve gave Survivors the ability to “clip” through each other. This means that in certain places, all 4 Survivors can squeeze into a tight corner or room, with two spamming melee, and two shooting – a tactic that makes them nigh invulnerable. This swinging mix of arms and weapons is reminiscent of the multi-armed Hindu god, “Shiva”.

While many argue it's a legitimate tactic, most agree that it's “not good sportsmanship”, so most good players try to avoid doing it out of courtesy. Only skilled Infected will stand a chance at picking them apart otherwise.

Melee Spam
Refers to the habit of a Survivor constantly using the melee attack. This pushes all Infected away, and also has the ability to stop Hunter Pounces and Smoker tongues. A legitimate method, and not so much a problem since the recent patches. Inexperienced players will find it annoying, since they must learn to attack from behind or above, instead of head on.

Incapped or Down
Being injured to the point where you fall to the ground and cannot get back up without team mate assistance. This occurs when the Survivor's life drops past 0. You must help them up for them to be useful again, but make sure you clear all Infected in the area first. One hit will restart the progress bar.

Crescendo Event or Panic Event
A scripted event that the players must survive in order to proceed through the level. Spawns massive mobs of Infected, and usually lasts a few minutes. These require careful preparation in some cases, though there are usually places to hide in the environment, should the players feel that aren't ready to stand their ground yet.

L2P
A shortened version of "Learn to Play". An insult used for players who whine about things that can be avoided either through experience or skill. L2P is especially used towards Infected players, who insist things like “the Survivors have it too easy”, or “the Smoker is underpowered”.

QQ
Emoticons for 'Crying eyes'. Used as an insult towards players who whine a lot, and will often be followed up by "L2P"

             

Lobby
The place where everyone meets before a game to complain about the matchmaking system and how they didn't get to choose the Infected. You may need to return here many times, especially if you keep getting servers in Korea or Germany. Oh, and don't use voice chat in here, for there's a chance that you'll crash. You have been warned.

Campaign and Versus
Campaign involves 4 players only, battling through the different scenarios alone, at one of four difficulty levels. Versus involves 8 players: 4 Survivors, 4 Special Infected. This is probably the most popular mode, and is set at the Normal difficulty. It is, however, NOT recommended for new players. Most people expect newbies to play through all the campaigns first, learn the basics, and then attempt to join Versus. Doing so beforehand will result in abuse and possibly getting kicked out of the game. Not a great way to learn.

Pubs or Randoms
Refers to people who join a team (lobby or in game) but have no connection to any of the other players. "Strangers" essentially. Because their skills, playing style, and experience levels are unknown, theory goes that these guys will not be quite as good as a team that's played together for awhile. This is often the case… but not always.

Pubstomp
A game setup, where 4 experienced 'friends' start a public game with the intention of crushing some less experienced random players. Generally very one sided games, though if the pubs do manage to band together and fight back, be prepared for mass ragequits.

Fodder
The pubs/randoms that populate a Pubstomp game are referred to as “Fodder”; food for the friend-filled Infected team.

               

Molly
A Molotov cocktail. Produces a wide layer of fire on the ground, dangerous to Survivor and Infected alike.

Pipe
A Pipebomb, made from a Smoke Detector strapped to an explosive device. Attracts all Infected within a wide radius.

Medis, Packs, and Kits
The red Medical bags, found in the Safe Houses and scattered around the levels.. Restores 80% of a Survivors lost health.

Peelz
An alternative method of saying and spelling the word "Pills". Inspired by the way the Survivors say "Pills Here!" and "Grabbin Pills!" in game (especially Francis and Louis). Has been raised to meme status in certain places on the net. Pills provide a short term healing solution.

Auto-Shotty
The Automatic Shotgun. Much better then the normal, slower shotgun, as it fires multiple shots without needing to reload. It's not uncommon for entire teams of Survivors to use this weapon exclusively.

The Hunting Rifle, M-16, Uzi and Pistols are usually referred to as such.

             

Punting
Smacking a Hunter with a melee attack, either while he's attacking a Survivor, or during a short range pounce. Often punctuated by his satisfying “YIPE!”

Baseballing or Homerunning
Smacking a Hunter while he's in a long range, possibly 25 damage pounce. This is quite difficult, especially since the last patch, but it can be done. Considered the Number 1 Most Annoying Thing to happen to a Hunter… aside from actually achieving the pounce but not having it detect the collision.
   
Rushing
The art of running from one end of the level to the other as fast as you can. Considered an extremely effective tactic for the Survivors, but also “poor sportsmanship” towards the Infected players. Those looking to win will always choose this. Those looking to have fun will often choose to do it normally.

Rambo
The art of running from one end of the level to the other as fast as you can... by yourself. A form of griefing. However, if a team of friends agrees too it, they may actually engage in “Race 4 Dead”: last Rambo alive wins.

Max Payning, John Wooing or Akimboing
Going all out with the Dual Pistols. Nothing cooler. Or slower at reloading.

Cr0wning
Named after the achievement you receive for doing it, Cr0wning (combination of "crone" and "owning") refers to killing the witch with a single shot to the head. The phrase “Wait here: I'm going to cr0wn her”, has been the last words of many.

“Flaming Hunter!”
One of the most deadly enemies in the game; a Hunter that has set himself on fire. Capable of dealing massive damage if he's not punted off a Survivor immediately. Beware the Flaming Hunter! BEWARE!!

Tank Kiting
Describes the act of a Survivor purposely leading a Tank around (like a kite on a string). This will often be a Green or Yellow health Survivor who can run faster then the Tank. While the Tank is chasing him down, the remaining 3 Survivors will follow a long behind, unloading everything they have into him. A highly effective strategy.

Closet Camping, "The Tom Cruise Defense" or Tomcruising
Closet Camping was an overused form of defense in the early days, where Survivors would hide in a closet and make it very difficult for the Infected to get them. It's not done quite as much nowadays, as players soon figured out that it wasn't a "fun" style of play. "The Tom Cruise Defense" refers to a South Park episode when Tom Cruise locked himself in the closet and refused to come out.

Chucker
Someone who must pick up and throw every single thing they find. Will waste one pipebomb for the ability to pick up another on the ground.

Horder
Must pick up and carry every gas can or propane they see, and carry it around “just in case it's needed later”. This is especially annoying in Versus, as a player with a gun is always more helpful then a player trying to beat a single Infected to death with a can.

Mollyspammer
A term used to describe a player who LOVES molotovs. Will save vomited-on team mates by throwing a molotov on them. Will save team mates from a Hunter by throwing a molotov on them. Will kill the Tank by throwing 7 molotovs on him...

Pipewaster
A term used to describe a team mate who will throw a pipebomb without announcing he's doing so, then yell at a team mate who throws his 1 second later by mistake. He may also throw his right after you do on purpose. Two pipes are better then one, after all…

             

Boomer Bombing
Jumping off a high place as a Boomer and landing in the middle of the Survivors, with the goal of being shot and exploding. Failing that, vomit on everything in sight before they have time to whack you.

Parking the Tank
Sometimes if the Tank spawns in a less then ideal place, or the Survivors do something cheap like hide under stairs, Infected players may choose not to waste him. “Parking” involves sacrificing your turn with the Tank, by placing him in a more favourable position. The AI takes over, and when the Survivors arrive… hopefully what results is a more successful attack.

Sky Hunter or Sky Pouncer
Hunters with the goal of pouncing on the Survivors from an incredible height. Though fun, sometimes teams can spend more time trying to land a pounce then actually damaging the Survivors. They are also particularly vulnerable if spotted due to their extended hang time. But there's nothing cooler then landing that 25 damage pounce… makes those previous 13 failed attempts feel worth it.
            
Barf Bag
Same as the achievement it earns: vomiting on all 4 Survivors at once. Takes some practice, but when a player gets his ambushing skills down pat, this skill becomes easy and invaluable.

”Mute!”
Used by Infected to describe a Survivor who's not using a mic. These guys are prime targets, as they are unable to scream for help without typing it. Watch for extended periods of standing still, and see how long it takes for team mates to rescue them. Identifying Mutes early is a big advantage.

“INFECTED FIGHT!!!!”
The ritual 4 Infected players will perform after successfully slaughtering the Survivors: fighting and scratching each other to see who can kill who before the game loads the next map.
NOTE: Boomers will nearly always lose, Tanks will nearly always win.

             

Wall Jumping
The art of jumping from one wall to another as the Hunter without returning to the ground. A brilliant skill to learn, as it allows for quick escapes, great distractions, and huge pounce distances. 
 
The Rooftop Attack
An often insta-win ambush move, where all 4 Infected gather on the roof in NM5, at the top of the ladder. Devastating if done correctly, and may turn an entire game around, point wise.

Bowling
The art of punching a tree or car with the Tank, and hitting 3 or more of the Survivors.

“Getting the Third Hunter”
When you sacrifice your boomer for a third hunter; a strategic manoeuvre that is very useful for ambushes. (see "The Rooftop Attack")

Kill Stealing
Often refers to the act of a Hunter pouncing a survivor who is already being constricted by a Smoker, thus taking his kill. This can cause conflict and discussion among players, regarding whether the Smoker should have the right to his kill, or give it to the Hunter who can deal damage much faster.

Most agree that it's situation dependent.

Tank Hog
Refers to 2 things:
* The unfortunate event where the Director chooses to give the Tank to the same player every time (out of player control, so used light heartedly), and
* When a player is inexperienced, or in a bad position to use the Tank, but would rather die then pass it to another player or park it somewhere.

Fail Tank or ROFLtank
Fail Tank is insult directed at a player who runs straight through molotov fire as the Tank, chases green survivors, and continues to pound downed/incapped ones.

ROFLtank is reserved for players that do particularly stupid things, and generally make the whole game laugh i.e. fall off a building or down an elevator shaft.

Fail Boomer
Much like the Fail Tank, Fail Boomer dies within seconds without successfully vomiting on anyone. Often an inexperienced player, Fail Boomer walks towards Survivors from the front, spawns either far too early or far too late, and complains that people can shoot him through walls, even though they can hear him a mile away.

NOM NOM NOM
An eating noise, usually shouted by a Hunter who's mauling a Survivor. Strikes fear into the heart of Survivors everywhere.

              

 
50% Off'ers, 50% Weekenders and The Christmas Buyers
People who bought L4D on either the “50% Off Weekend” or at Christmas time. These people are generally more susceptible to ridicule and abuse, as they lack experience yet insist on playing Versus. This title is easily lost by getting enough practice in to stop appearing so obviously new.

Elitist
A particularly nasty form of "experienced" player that takes the game VERY seriously. Screams in the microphone at anyone who makes a mistake. Generally destroys morale more then boosts it. Believes himself to be better then all the other players combined, though often does stupid things like running miles ahead, getting pounced, then blaming the others for being slow. Will rage quit if the game doesn't go exactly the way he wants it too.

Itchy Trigger Kickers
Players that are ready to vote-kick any time, anywhere. Not choosing the weapon they want you too, rushing with them, using a mic, not using a mic, taking to long to shoot a Special Infected, not hurting the Survivors enough as Infected, or joining them in less desirable activities like Shiva stacking, will all get you kicked.

CSNoob
A less socially-integrated migrant of Counter Strike. Greatly enjoys using the hunting rifle and getting head shots. Refers to it as an "AWP". Often complains that L4D is too random and not good for competitive play. Rarely knows how to string together a grammatically correct sentence.

The Joe
A player who makes life interesting for you in L4D.

               

“Melee” Exploit
Referred to an insanely fast melee bug, where scrolling your mousewheel or using a script to switch weapons quickly resulted in resetting the swing timer. Made it impossible for Hunters or normal Infected to get anywhere near the Survivor. Was one of the last bugs to be fixed.

“Infected Cloning” Exploit
Possibly the worst exploit of the bunch, Infected players could “Spectate” in the console, and leave behind an AI controlled bot. This could result in several hundred Hunters, waiting for the ambush. No one but griefers were sad to see this go.

"The Door" Exploit
Referring to an exploit in No Mercy 3, where Survivors could bypass a crescendo event by meleeing through a door. Eventually ceased after players discovered the “Cloning” exploit, and then patched.

“Gattapult” Exploit
An extremely fun bug that everyone misses. By meleeing the mounted Gattling Gun, you could “charge” it up. When you jumped on top of it, it launched you through the air like a catapult. The more you meleed it, the further it threw you.
Unfortunately this was used to skip entire Panic events, and even shoot people into the escape Helicopter, so it was a pretty game breaking bug. Still, it was a hell of a lot of fun.

“Moveable Objects” Exploit
Referring to the Tank's and Special Infected's ability to hit moveable objects (cars, dumpsters, trees, generators) into the path of the Survivors, thus blocking it. A very annoying bug that was patched quickly. Apparently the Xbox version still suffers from this

            

Chicago Ted
A L4D community meme. The words "No Zombie is safe from Chicago Ted" appear in some writing on the wall of a safe house. Like the Companion Cube before him, Ted has become a much loved Valve icon, despite no one knowing exactly who he is.

 The Curse of the Black Guy
A superstition among the L4D community, stating that "Anyone who plays Louis is doomed to die first". Scarily enough, it's often the case....

"I Hate..."
Yet another meme, spawned from Francis's constant narration of everything he hates in the game. The only thing he confirms he doesn't hate is vests.

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If you know any that have been missed, feel free to state them in the comments. I will add them as they accumulate.