IRC DICTIONARY
 

note: for more additional words see the main hacker dictionary.

Addy - Addy = Address. Pretty self explanatory, if some one asks for your
"e-mail addy", they want your e-mail address.

Aliases - Aliases are short macros written within your IRC client application to create shortcuts, run scripts or issue IRC commands simply.

Bots - A bot (short for robot) is an IRC user that is not a user at all, but is a collection of scripted IRC commands running as a program within the IRC client program. It only responds to things done to it, or things that it is programmed to do. There are a few bots that serve purposes. These bots are usually game related. It is considered good IRC etiquette to include the word "BOT" in the bot's nickname if you are running one on a channel. Bots are generallyconsidered a nuisance on IRC and using one on most IRC servers will get you "k-lined". If there are bots taking up 10 connections, that is 10 less real people that can be online, and IRC =is= a place for chatting after all.

ChanOp - Operator of the Channel, usually has a @before their name

Clones - A clone is someone logged on to your channel more than once. I've seen people refer to these as "ghosts" here on DM. Not the same
thing! (see ghost) Coming in as a clone on most IRC channels will result in a quick KICK and a BAN. If you are testing scripts or software, cloning yourself on a private channel can be useful -- but it is generally considered to be bad IRC form to come in as a clone on a busy channel as it takes up a connection that a real person could be using.

Flooding - Flooding can be anything that disrupts the channel or even trashes an individuals computer...examples being gargantuan text files sent to the channel, DCC SENDS of god-knows-what to individuals, repeated and intensive /msg sends, etc. A very good idea to enable Flood Protection in your IRC client application & disable automated DCC/CTCP receives.

Ghost - A ghost (or ghosting) occurs when you quit a channel abruptly and log back in immediately. Many times your former log-in will still exist
on the channel if you didn't quit/part using those commands. Generally the Channel Op will KICK your former log-in (ghost)if it doesn't go away by it's ghostly self.

IRC - IRC is an acronym for Internet Relay Chat..proper usage is "I'm IRC-ing" as opposed to "I am IRC Chatting" <G>

IRC Client - This refers to the particular software or method that the user (such as you) runs to connect to a server on one of the IRC nets. For instance, if you use mIRC to access IRC, that is your IRC client...others would be Comic Chat, IRCle, pIRCh, etc.

IRCop - Operator of the IRC. This is not a "COP", but they do keep an eye out for weirdness on the IRC server.

K-Lined - If you are K-lined, it simply means that a server is set to
automatically KILL your connection. This can happen if you have mis-behaved on a server -- or it may happen if you are not an authorized user on that particular IRC server.

Lags - A lag is the time in seconds that it takes the text you just entered to reach the screen of the person you are talking to. A lag of a second or two is not too bad, but anything over 10 seconds is considered a bad lag. You can check lag by /ping-ing the other client. Lag can be caused by a variety of factors, including: a noisy phone line, trouble with your ISP, trouble with your IRC client, trouble with the IRC server, trying to do other things while on IRC (ftp-ing, web browsing, etc.), overcrowded channel. In order to acheive
the best connections in IRC, you want to have the most direct route to the people you are chatting with. Server connections are often made up of many many nodes, and the more nodes between you and the other person, the higher the possibility is of lags and netsplits occuring.

'Leet - 'Leet equals "elite", usually used to refer to a well-written script, program or bot.

LYB - Ask Shannon about this one! LOL!!!

Netsplit - Netsplits are a major cause of lag. A netsplit happens when a server in your connection loses contact with the rest of the servers. You can see a Netsplit occurring if you notice people on your "notify list" signing on & off manytimes during your session -- or if members of your channel suddenly quit in a way that resembles: "Signoff:nick1
(irc.gate.example.edu). You may also notice your lag time increasing, or jumping from no lag to very long periods of lag. You can try to change servers at this point by typing: /server (new-server-name [port#if specified]) EXAMPLE: /server irc.dm.net 4000

Scripts - Scripts are small programs designed to run within an IRC client, usually using the client's built in scripting language.

WareZ - Channels with "warez" "appz" "krackz" and "hackz" (or any variation thereof are IRC channels (highly illegal and punishable by death if seen on DM) that distribute pirated copies of software. Warez channels move around a lot. Since they are illegal they are viewed by many IRC users as good targets for flooding, channel takeovers & general warfare.