BM in Gaming: What BMing Means and How It Affects Play

If you’ve spent any time in online multiplayer games, chances are you’ve come across the term “BM.”

In gaming, it stands for “bad manners,” a phrase used to describe rude, unsportsmanlike, or intentionally disruptive behavior. Think of it as the complete opposite of GG (“good game”)—when someone engages in BM, they are deliberately trying to annoy, disrespect, or provoke other players instead of showing respect.

Common Examples of BM

Bad manners can show up in many different ways. Some forms are obvious, while others are more subtle, but all of them can negatively impact the overall experience. Below are some of the most common behaviors considered BM in online games:

• mocking opponents in text chat with sarcastic, snarky, or patronizing comments
• acting aggressively in voice chat, including yelling, insulting, or displaying hostile behavior
• spamming taunts or emotes after an opponent makes a mistake to rub it in
• “teabagging” – repeatedly crouching over a defeated player’s character to mock them
• firing at already eliminated enemies purely to humiliate them
• trash talking with exaggerated sarcasm or belittling remarks aimed at putting others down
• intentionally throwing the match, such as refusing to participate, feeding easy kills to the enemy team, or revealing teammates’ positions
• stalling the game instead of finishing it when the outcome is already decided
• rage quitting or disconnecting out of frustration, denying the opposing team a proper conclusion
• using offensive usernames, profile pictures, or in-game graphics designed to provoke or upset others

While a few of these actions might seem harmless in isolation, repeated behavior of this kind creates a toxic atmosphere that drags down the enjoyment for everyone involved.

Negative Effects of BM

A bit of lighthearted banter can add personality to a match, but when it crosses the line, it quickly stops being fun. Persistent toxicity breeds frustration, tension, and negativity within the community. Over time, it can even discourage players from returning to games they once enjoyed.

Many gamers invest significant time and effort into improving their skills and climbing competitive ladders. Encountering constant BM can feel demoralizing and unfair, especially when the focus shifts away from gameplay and toward personal attacks or unsportsmanlike conduct.

BM is especially common in competitive multiplayer titles such as League of Legends, CS:GO, DOTA 2, and VALORANT. However, it is by no means limited to those games—bad manners can surface in nearly any online environment. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in ranked matches, poor sportsmanship can turn an exciting contest into an exhausting and unpleasant experience.

Avert BM and Have Fun!

Now that you know what BM means and how to recognize it, challenge yourself to approach every match with respect and integrity. Gaming is meant to be enjoyable for everyone involved—not just for one person at the expense of others.

The next time you queue up for a match, focus on improving your mechanics, sharpening your strategy, and demonstrating true sportsmanship. Winning feels far better when it’s achieved fairly, and losing is easier to accept when mutual respect is present.

Have fun, play fair, and most importantly—leave the BM out of it!