Lore

Lore (noun / US Slang)

(Also heard as: The lore, Lore drop, Deep lore)

Definition:

Lore means the background story, history or backstory behind a person, thing or event. When someone asks “what is the lore?”, they want the full story. “Lore drop” means someone is revealing a surprising detail about their past. Online, it is used for everything from friendship dramas to why a meme exists.

Where Lore Comes From:

Lore is an old English word for traditional knowledge and stories. Gamers and fans of fantasy and video games then used it for the invented history of a fictional world, such as in Dark Souls or Zelda. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, US social media users on TikTok, Twitter and Discord began applying it to real-life people and situations.

How People Actually Use Lore:

People say “she has so much lore” about someone with an interesting past. A “lore drop” is a casual reveal in conversation. Creators also use it in videos, for example “the lore behind my morning routine”. The tone is playful and nosy, in the best way.

Is Lore Offensive?

No. It is a light, friendly term, though asking for someone’s “lore” can be nosy if they want to keep their past private.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Wait, what is the lore with you and your ex?”

  Meaning: What is the full backstory there?

• “That cafe has deep lore, it has been there since 1950.”

  Meaning: It has a rich history.

• “Lore drop: I used to be a competitive skater.”

  Meaning: Here is a surprising fact about my past.

Similar Slang:

Canon Event, Spill the Tea, Main Character, Era, Side Quest, Facts

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