Turtling (/ˈtɜːtəlɪŋ/) is a word that refers to a defensive playstyle in video games. It is pronounced as "tuhrt-ling", with emphasis on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word shows that it begins with the voiceless alveolar stop sound "t" (/t/) followed by the vowel "ʌ" (/ɜː/). This is followed by the voiced alveolar approximant sound "r" (/r/) and the voiceless alveolar plosive "t" (/t/) again. Finally, the word ends with the vowel "ɪ" (/ɪn/).
Turtling is a slang term that originated from the world of gaming, particularly in strategy and competitive multiplayer games. It refers to a defensive tactic or playstyle employed by a player or team where they opt to stay in a defensive position for an extended period of time instead of engaging in aggressive or offensive actions.
In the context of gaming, turtling often involves hiding or fortifying oneself in a secure location, typically behind strong defensive structures or within a base, in order to weather attacks from opponents. This strategy is commonly adopted when a player aims to protect their resources, build up their defenses, or wait for an advantageous moment to counter-attack. Turtling can be seen as a conservative approach to gameplay, prioritizing cautiousness over taking risks.
Outside of gaming, turtling can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or entity that adopts a defensive and guarded posture in various contexts. For instance, in negotiations or business dealings, turtling may refer to someone who is wary of revealing their true intentions or making a bold move, opting instead to maintain a defensive stance until circumstances become more favorable.
The term "turtling" draws its connotation from the behavior of a turtle, known for its protective shell and the ability to withdraw entirely into it when threatened. The concept of turtling in gaming and other domains reflects the idea of adopting a resilient and defensive strategy to preserve oneself and one's interests.
The etymology of the word "turtling" comes from the noun "turtle", referring to the reptile. The term "turtling" is derived from the behavior of turtles where they retract their heads and limbs into their shells for protection. In a similar sense, the verb "turtling" is used to describe the act of withdrawing, hiding, or being cautious, often seen in certain games or activities.