Definition
To make something weaker or less effective. From game developers reducing the power of weapons/characters ('nerfing' them, like replacing the real thing with a Nerf toy). Now used outside gaming: 'they nerfed the school lunch menu' means they made it worse. Opposite of buff.
Translation for Parents
When your kid says something got 'nerfed,' they mean it got made worse or weaker. The school changed the wifi password? They nerfed the wifi. New phone has a smaller battery? They nerfed it. It's from video games where developers make powerful things less powerful, but kids use it for literally anything that got downgraded.
Examples
“they nerfed the cafeteria pizza it tastes like cardboard now”
“They made the cafeteria pizza worse, it's terrible now”
“my parents nerfed my screen time again”
“My parents reduced my screen time again”
Cringe Score
Mildly embarrassing
Actually a pretty useful word. If you say the HOA nerfed your Christmas decorations, your kid might reluctantly nod.
Category
general
Last Verified
2026-02-26
Sources
editorial, urban_dictionary