- The word “flame” describes the nature of the comment and what will likely result. Often in flames, posters express a strongly held opinion and do not suppress their emotions, as such they can sound like a roaring fire (not necessarily angry, but very intense). Additionally, when you feed flames they get bigger, and similarly when people respond to a flame (especially with another flame) the fire tends to get out of hand, which, in the internet sense, will lead to a flame war. The coiner cleverly choice a natural occurrence to describe this internet action that became more well-known when the popularity of messageboards increased.
flame (3)
noun Zero derivation
On a messageboard, a negative comment intended to be insulting, malicious, and provoking. Often part of the phrase “flame war.”
Etymology : Addition of another use of the root word “flame.”
Source : “One time I started a flame war when I was twelve.” (friend, March 2011)
Last modified: 30 November 2011