keyboard warrior

American  

[kee-bawrd wawr-ee-er, wor‐, kee-bohrd] / ˈkiˌbɔrd ˌwɔr i ər, ˌwɒr‐, ˈkiˌboʊrd /

noun

Informal.

1. a person who posts highly opinionated text and images online in an aggressive or abusive manner, often without revealing their own identity.

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Etymology

Origin of keyboard warrior

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

From her perspective, the goal is to see what it looks like to “not just be a keyboard warrior in the comments section, but to view people as human.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

The thing is, it is easier to be a keyboard warrior than it is to get into in-person confrontations.

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2024

Back home afterward, reviewing things 15 different times in slow motion like so many keyboard warrior referees, I’ve downgraded my initial opinion somewhat.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2023

Sister Bliss, from electronic outfit Faithless, described Fletcher as a "keyboard warrior" and tweeted that he was "gone way too soon".

From BBC • May 27, 2022

Being a keyboard warrior 24 hours a day is not healthy for anyone.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2019