NPC

えぬぴーしー
noun
non-player character
1. non-player character
A character in a video game that is not controlled by a player. NPCs are controlled by the game's AI and often provide information, quests, or services.
NPCに(はな)しかける。
Talk to an NPC.
このゲームはNPCが(おお)い。
This game has many NPCs.
NPCから情報(じょうほう)(あつ)める。
Gather information from NPCs.
2. someone who acts without independent thought
Internet slang for a person who seems to lack original opinions or behaves in a predictable, programmed manner.
あいつはNPCみたいだ。
That guy is like an NPC.
NPC(てき)反応(はんのう)しかしない。
They only give NPC-like responses.
自分(じぶん)意見(いけん)()たないNPCにはなりたくない。
I don't want to become an NPC without my own opinions.

ETYMOLOGY:
Abbreviation of 'Non-Player Character'.

USAGE:

Sense 1 is standard gaming terminology.

Sense 2 emerged as internet slang, often used critically to describe people who:

  • Follow trends without thinking
  • Repeat popular opinions without questioning
  • Seem to lack individuality

COLLOCATIONS:

  • NPC村人(むらびと) - NPC villager
  • NPCキャラ(きゃら) - NPC character