o7: A Salute from the Gaming Community
The gaming community is a vibrant and growing culture filled with intense competition, alluring challenges and, of course, plenty of fun. But in addition to the thrill that comes with any game, gamers have developed a language, mannerisms and even gestures of their own which have become something of a tradition amongst players.
One such gesture is ‘o7’, a piece of lingo and a salute which has become popular in online gaming culture, and interestingly enough, it originated on the EVE Online MMORPG. So where did this little phrase come from and what does it mean?
Where did o7 come from?
o7 is an homage to the days of naval warfare and a tribute to the ships of old that could not always salute from afar but had to rely on visual cues to show respect and allegiance. The gesture is made by holding a hand up to the side of your forehead as if making a salute, hence the name. The position of the hand is meant to represent the 7 on a clock face, resulting in the ‘o7’ term.
This gesture became popular with the rise of space-faring games such as EVE Online, where players are meant to feel as though their ships are engaged in the deeps of space. As such, the o7 salute was adopted as a way to show respect to other players and acknowledge their presence in the game.
What does o7 mean?
In general, o7 is used as an informal expression of camaraderie and solidarity within the gaming community, in much the same way that people may say ‘good luck’ or ‘good game’ to one another. It is a way to recognize another player’s contribution to the game and to the enjoyment of the gaming experience.
For some, o7 may also have a more meaningful purpose. It could be used to imply that you are lending a helping hand or offering support to someone who is struggling within the game.
Final Thoughts
At its core, o7 is nothing more than a fraternal gesture or salute from the games community, a way to recognize comrades amidst the competition and challenges of any given game. It is a sign of respect and appreciation that can bring a smile to the face of any gamer.
Whether you’re saluting a friend or a complete stranger, the o7 gesture is sure to be appreciated. So if you happen to cross paths with someone in your gaming travels, remember to give them an o7, it’s sure to put a little bit more fun into your gaming!