Nolep
/id/Source Language: The language or dialect this term originates from (ID).Definition & Context
AdjectiveAdjective
A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.
A trait or condition describing a person who rarely or never socializes, spends most of their time in solitude, and lacks an active social life. The term “nolep” characterizes individuals who prefer solitary activities such as gaming, consuming online content, or staying indoors over engaging with others.
Synonyms & Variants
ansos
An abbreviation for 'antisosial' (antisocial), often used in informal conversation to describe someone who dislikes socializing.
antisosial
A more widely known synonym, but carries a stronger clinical or psychological connotation compared to "nolep".
introver
A person who tends to focus more on their own internal thoughts and feelings than on external stimulation, often preferring solitude or small groups.
kuper
An older slang term than "nolep", derived from the abbreviation `kurang pergaulan` (lacking social exposure). Meanings overlap, but "kuper" emphasizes social awkwardness while "nolep" emphasizes the absence of social activity.
penyendiri
The formal and neutral equivalent of "nolep", without the inherent humorous or mocking connotation.
introvert
The synonym relation is only partial. "Introvert" is a neutral psychological term with no negative connotation, whereas "nolep" carries a mocking or humorous nuance.
Usage Notes or Etymology
The word “nolep” is a direct phonetic adaptation of the English phrase no life, literally meaning to have no social life. This phrase was popularized in global internet culture, particularly within online gaming communities, to describe someone who spends excessive time in front of screens to the detriment of social interaction. In Indonesia, the term was absorbed and compacted into a single word, “nolep”, following a common pattern in gaul urban slang formation, namely the adoption of foreign words with phonetic spelling adjustments. The term gained widespread circulation around the late 2010s alongside the rise of internet penetration and gaming culture among Indonesian youth. Its tone is contextually ambiguous, functioning as a mild insult, a joke among friends, or even a humorous self-description. On social media platforms such as Twitter and TikTok, it frequently appears as a form of self-deprecating humor.
Real-world Usage
Dia mah nolep banget, seminggu penuh gak keluar kamar.
English Translation
Representative of real-world usage and contextual accuracy.