What Does “Tryhard” Mean?

PDF download Download Article
Breaking down this slang gaming term
PDF download Download Article

You might have heard the word while playing an online game, or while out on the field: tryhard. It’s not a very pleasant term, and probably didn’t sound very nice leaving that person’s mouth. To be a tryhard means to put more effort into something than other people, often at the expense of other people’s enjoyment. We’ll tell you more about what it means and why people say it, discuss whether or not it’s a bad thing to be, and offer plenty of advice for how to avoid being a tryhard—or even if you should.

Things You Should Know

  • “Tryhard” is a derogatory term for someone who puts too much effort into, or cares too much about, whatever it is they’re doing, often to others’ detriment.
  • The term is often used in video gaming contexts to mean that one’s opponent was too focused on winning to have fun.
  • Avoid being called a “tryhard” by playing by the rules and spirit of the game. Also, avoid calling other people “tryhard” so as not to be a sore loser, yourself.
Section 1 of 3:

Tryhard Definition

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Tryhard” is often used as a derogatory term for someone who, simply put, tries too hard at or cares too much about something, and in the process makes that thing less enjoyable for other people. [1] It’s most often used in a gaming context, particularly when playing multiplayer games.
    • The word is also sometimes used to refer to a person overcompensating for their lack of skill with sheer effort, instead. It may also be used as a verb.
    • Example: “He only won because he’s a tryhard. The rest of us were playing for fun.”
    • “Stop tryharding and just enjoy the game.”
    • “We absolutely stomped on those tryhards. They’ve got enthusiasm, but no strategy.”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes, “tryhard” refers to someone who’s so obsessed with being successful that they use dubious methods to gain that success. They might imitate people who are already successful, exploit the rules, or even cheat in order to gain victory, fame, or other accomplishments, similar to a “sellout.”
    • Examples: “Those tryhards dumbed down their music so they could hit it big.”
    • “The corporate tryhards are trying to appeal to young people, but they’re too out of touch to pull it off.”
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Is it bad to be a tryhard?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Here’s the thing about being a tryhard: it’s often an insult hurled by people who want to invalidate someone else’s victory. You’ll probably hear it used by a losing team to say, “Well, who cares if you won. You’re just trying too hard, which is more embarrassing than losing.” But what’s the point of playing a game—be it a video game, sport, or any other—if not to at least try to win? [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While you shouldn’t be too concerned if other people call you a tryhard, pay attention to whether the effort you put into something matches the amount of fun or enjoyment you’re having. Sometimes, when we’re too focused on success or victory, we forget to take pleasure in the process, and can become frustrated when we don’t get the results we want. At that point, the activity brings more heartache than joy, and it might be time to take a step back.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You’ll most often hear the word “tryhard” in contexts like sports, video games, board games, etc.—things people do for fun. In these contexts, having fun is an important aspect of the activity, and even a priority. In other contexts, like your career, personal aspirations, health, or other serious undertakings, there’s not really such a thing as a tryhard. These are areas where you should always be trying hard, no matter what other people say.
    • Of course, these things can also be enjoyable, too, and you should take breaks so you don’t wear yourself out from trying too hard. Life is all about finding that balance!
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Avoiding Being a Tryhard

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There’s no shame in playing to win or putting your best effort into whatever you’re doing. That’s the whole point of video games, sports, hobbies, and passions, and doing your best is how you get results. Just be sure you’re actually enjoying the effort, too. Winning is fun, but if the journey is no fun itself, is it really worth it? [3]
    • If you find yourself getting angry or upset, handle your frustration by taking a break from the activity and coming back when you’ve cooled down.
    • Also, remind yourself why you do the activity in the first place—because it brings you pleasure, or makes you feel accomplished. Not because you have to be the best.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While it’s important to try your best, it’s also important to play by the rules so that everyone has a fair shot, and so that everyone can have fun. If the way you’re playing a game seems to make others uncomfortable, pause and ask yourself: Am I taking this too seriously? Am I stopping other people from enjoying the activity? It might be times to loosen up and relax a bit.
    • Even if your strategy is within the rules, it might go against the “spirit of the game,” which is the idea that everyone should play the game with fun and fairness in mind. [4]
    • Focus on what you can do yourself to help other people have fun, like including them in your game or strategies, asking them for advice, or giving them a chance to show off their own skills.
    • That said, other people’s fun can’t always be your responsibility. Sometimes, people will be sore losers, and that’s out of your control.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Tryhard-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Tryhard-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sore losers complain after a loss, even when they lost fair and square. When you lose, take a moment to appreciate how much fun you had, and ask yourself what you learned, and how you’ll take what you learned into the next game. Even when you don’t win, you can still be proud of your efforts and cherish the good times you spent with other people. [5] And when you do win, be a gracious victor by complimenting both your teammates and your opponents on their skills, and tell them you had fun!
    • Also, try not to call other people “tryhard.” It’s rude, for one thing, but is also often an indicator that maybe you’re taking things too seriously, yourself.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Connect Switch to a PC: The Ultimate Guide
      How to
      Do 2-Player Split Screen Mode in Fortnite
      The Fastest & Easiest Way to Unlock Full Body Haki in Blox Fruits
      Simple Ways to Get God Human in Blox Fruits
      BitLife Model Career Guide: Steps, Elite Gigs, Auditions, & More
      The Best Fruits in Blox Fruit Ranked
      How to
      Contact Activision
      How to
      Contact PlayStation
      What Is the Best Race in Blox Fruits & How to Change It?
      How to
      Fix a PlayStation 5 Controller Flashing Blue: 6 Tips
      How to
      Make Money Quickly & Efficiently in Stardew Valley
      Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting Tushita in Blox Fruits
      How to
      Make a PS5 Primary for Offline Play & Game Sharing
      How to
      Become President in BitLife: Everything You Need To Know
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jege/1/1/article-jege.2022-0042.xml
      2. ↑ https://www.inverse.com/gaming/tryhard-meaning-games-origin-definition
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/having-fun/201604/fun-is-easy
      4. ↑ https://www.slua.org/spirit
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/201906/are-you-good-winner-sore-loser-can-you-be-both

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 6,446 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement