skill issue

English

Etymology

Literally skill + issue (i.e. the issue is related to one's skill); popularized as a general insult around 2020.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈskɪl ˌɪsjuː/, /-ˌɪʃ(j)uː/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈskɪl ˌɪʃ(j)u/
• Rhymes: -ɪsjuː, -ɪʃjuː, -ɪʃuː
• Hyphenation: skill is‧sue

Noun

skill issue (plural not attested)

1. (video games, slang, sometimes ironic) A lack of skill at a game (suggesting that a player is just making excuses for a loss).

   —Dude, they nerfed my main and now I can't win any games! —Sounds like a skill issue lol

   • 2022 October 21, Joanna Koziol, “D.Va Is Overwatch 2's Most Toxic Character”, in Screen Rant‎^[1], archived from the original on 2022-11-04:

     Perhaps regarded as one of her funniest lines, she can taunt the enemy after eliminating them by saying, "Wow, cringe," in a fittingly condescending tone. Some other voice lines include, "It's a skill issue," "Enjoy that killcam," "Now they're just feeding," and "Outplayed."

   • [2022 November 11, Rebecca Smith, “What Does 'Skill Issue' Mean on TikTok and in Gaming?”, in GameRevolution‎^[2], archived from the original on 2022-11-28:

     Those players who have ever taken to TikTok to complain about bugs and gameplay issues in a game will often be met with the reply "Skill Issue."]

   • 2022 December 27, Dean Clark, “THE UNLIVING First Impression: Feeling Weak Behind My Forces”, in GameTyrant‎^[3], archived from the original on 2022-12-27:

     Well, after playing it myself, I have to say that it is a lot of fun to play as long as you can manage to stay alive long enough to enjoy it! Let me be the first to say, this is a 'skill issue' of course, but ultimately, I just thought my zombies would be stronger.

   • 2023 January 2, Matthew Wilkins, “Is Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 1 the sweatiest season ever?”, in Sportskeeda‎^[4], archived from the original on 2023-01-04:

     The game's Reddit forum is swamped with posts about how difficult it is to win a match. Some users may state that this is a 'skill issue.' However, seeing so many players complain about their skill mismatch and inability to win a single match is somewhat concerning.

Usage notes

• Often used as an interjection (as in the second quotation).

See also

• git gud
• pisslow
• mald
• scrub