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Original · left

Lurk (linger)

Lingering furtively, covertly, or inconspicuously in shadowy areas with sinister intent.

First in use: the 1300s
Duplicate · right

Lurker (online)

Reading, monitoring, and consuming discussions on digital forums, chatrooms, or social platforms without ever posting or contributing.

First in use: the 1980s

Lurk / Lurk (linger) / Lurker (online)

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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Skulking vs. reading without posting.

Which meaning of Lurk is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Lurk (linger) came first (the 1300s). Lurker (online) arrived in the 1980s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Lurk (linger)Lurker (online)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · the 1300s

Lurk (linger)

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Duplicate · the 1980s

Lurker (online)

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More duplicated terms

Internet & gaming culture