The Rice University Neologisms Database

Someone who plays online games (specifically Quake) with an internet connection that gives him an advantage over those with lesser hardware. This advantage is manifested in lower latency for this player, or a ‘low ping.’ Thus the player is a ‘low-ping bas Interpretation of intended meaning Lpb is an acronym, though it is usually not capitalized in use (a la radar and scuba). It carries exactly the same meaning as the phrase it stands for: low-ping bastard. Presumed reason for coinage Need for a word to describe a concept that was not previously relevant. Notes The server model that Quake uses ensures that users with quick internet connections are not slowed by those with awful ones; this is necessary, but it means that players with ethernet connections (read: college students) are bemoaned among those with inferior hardware. A ping, as you may know, is how long it takes an empty packet to get from one’s computer to another computer and back again; it is thus a measure of connection latency. If one user only has a 60 millisecond delay before his commands are carried out in a game and another user has a 300 millisecond delay, the user with the lower ping will usually win the encounter, regardless of skill level. Thus those with ethernet connections (and hence sub 100ms pings, while modem users are stuck above 150ms) are low-ping bastards. The term is not really an insult; it is more good-natured ribbing and connection envy. Of course, it is also used as an excuse when you beat someone with a higher ping.