netiquette
NET-i-ket
/ˈnɛtɪkɛt/
The informal code of courteous and acceptable behavior expected on the internet.
Encompasses guidelines like avoiding ALL-CAPS shouting, respecting privacy, and avoiding thread hijacking.
The story behind the word. Coined in the early 1980s during the Usenet and BITNET eras, 'netiquette' combined 'network' with the French 'etiquette' (originally a sign or card stating court protocol). RFC 1855, published in 1995 as official internet guidelines, formalized netiquette rules for email and newsgroups, establishing norms like avoiding excessive cross-posting.
Word relationships
- digital courtesy: Digital courtesy is a descriptive phrase, whereas netiquette is the established portmanteau term.
- cyberbullying: Cyberbullying represents intentional digital malice, directly contradicting netiquette.
Commonly confused with
- etiquette: Etiquette applies to traditional social spaces, whereas netiquette is specific to digital interactions.
Collocations
- basic netiquette
- proper netiquette
- violate netiquette
- observe netiquette
Example sentences
- "Posting in ALL CAPS is considered a major violation of netiquette because it resembles screaming." Digital etiquette
Memory hook
NET + ETIQUETTE = courtesy on the internet. Good manners for the online world.
When not to use
Do not confuse with strict legal regulations or hardware protocols governing network infrastructure.
Fun facts
- The earliest documented rule of netiquette was published in 1982 warning newsgroup users against sarcasm without emoticons.
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