egoboo

(EE.goh.boo)

n.

Recognition and praise for a task well done, particularly a task that is performed for free. Also: ego-boo.

Example Citation:

"In science-fiction-fan-speak there's a phenomenon called 'egoboo.'...It means a boost in reputation. Hackers operate in a gift economy in which giant-size egos compete with one another for attention and reputation on the Net. If you do something cool, like reduce the length of a subroutine by 50 percent, you score major egoboo."

— Mark Frauenfelder, "Man Against the FUD," LA Weekly, May 21, 1999

Earliest Citation:

The IRS refused a tax exemption for St. Louis Science Fiction Limited, whose principal activity is holding an annual convention that includes a masquerade party, a sing-along and an auction. Panelists discuss such topics as "What's so Horrible about Horror?" and "I'm Doing This for Ego-boo."

— Jim Luther, "Tips From the Tax Court and How to Get SMART," The Associated Press, April 16, 1985

Related Words:

braggables

ego wall

egocasting

egosurfing

humblebrag

velcroid

Category:

Psychology