Teen Slang · Gaming

What does “Threw (throwing)” mean?

In gaming, to lose a game you should have won, often by playing badly at the end. 'We were winning and he threw.'

Decoded for parents by Pouya & Hengameh, parents of two — the team behind My Teen's World.

Where “Threw (throwing)” comes from

Esports and competitive gaming term ('throwing the game'); long used in sports too.

Teens use it to blame a bad loss on poor play.

Normal gaming frustration. No concern unless it fuels harassment of a teammate.

“We were winning and he threw at the end.” Frustrated that a teammate blew a sure win. Exasperated.
“Don’t throw now, we’re so close.” Tense plea mid-game not to choke. High stakes, nerves.