Smurf
An experienced player using a new or lower-ranked account to compete against less-skilled players.
“The level-five account dropped forty eliminations, so everyone assumed it was a smurf.”
Smurf may describe the account or the experienced player behind it.
The gaming term traces to 1990s Warcraft II players who used names based on Smurf characters to hide their identities.
smurf account
A low-ranked alternate account.
alt smurf
A secondary smurf account.
ranked smurf
A smurf used in ranked play.
Why do players smurf?
Reasons include playing with lower-ranked friends, avoiding long queues, practicing, or seeking easier opponents.
Is smurfing allowed?
Rules vary by game, but many communities and developers discourage manipulative smurfing.