Do any other old school gamers hate the term grognard?

Hex08

Hero

• Friday at 5:59 PM

• #1

I was reading various threads today and the word "grognard" came up a couple of times and, for some reason, the last time I saw it it really grated on my nerves even though it never had before. I am aware of the origins of the word, from Napoleon's Old Guard to today's usage in gaming, which seems to have different meanings for different people. Maybe it's just because I am a grumpy old man but sometimes I feel that (not all) users of the word seem to mean nothing more than "that grumpy old person who is unwilling or unable to adapt to newer games and/or playstyles".

 

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T

The Soloist

Adventurer

• Friday at 6:31 PM

• #2

Depends. I'm 59 and play many new RPGs every year. I don't feel it's about me when I see the term Grognard.

 

Theory of Games

Disaffected Game Warrior

• Friday at 6:44 PM

• #3

Regarding games, a grognard is an old-school tabletop wargamer. For ttrpgs a grognard is that person who rants about older editions of D&D being the cat's pajamas. Many grognards actually wear the term as a +5 Badge of Honor.

 

Morrus

Well, that was fun

Staff member

• Friday at 6:46 PM

• #4

I see it as a description of behaviour not a demographic.

 

C

Corinnguard

Hero

• Friday at 6:52 PM

• #5

I am going to be 54 in about two months. I think I have adapted quite well to role-playing and understanding most of the rules in 5e. And I happen to be the oldest member of my role-playing group.

 

Cordwainer Fish

Imp. Int. Scout Svc. (Dishon. Ret.)

• Friday at 6:52 PM

• #6

I want to be a grognard when I grow up!

 

Deset Gled

.

• Friday at 7:11 PM

• #7

Hex08 said:

sometimes I feel that (not all) users of the word seem to mean nothing more than "that grumpy old person who is unwilling or unable to adapt to newer games and/or playstyles".

Click to expand...

Given how many people self-identify as "grognard" these days, I have been viewing it as a personal choice to adapt to new things (instead of ability or willingness).

Obviously, some people will use the term as a pejorative and some with pride. I assume the grumpiness is present from either side.

 

Reynard

Legend

Supporter

• Friday at 7:42 PM

• #8

Deset Gled said:

Given how many people self-identify as "grognard" these days, I have been viewing it as a personal choice to adapt to new things (instead of ability or willingness).

Obviously, some people will use the term as a pejorative and some with pride. I assume the grumpiness is present from either side.

Click to expand...

How is choice different from "willingness"?

 

KYRON45

Adventurer

• Friday at 7:48 PM

• #9

Grognard, Munchkin, Min-maxer, Rules lawyer. Humans find comfort in labels. When someone behaves in a way that we don't like we categorize them. Neo-Trad, Trad, Simulationist, Old school, etc.
Read any thread and by the 12th comment you'll get someone debating the definition of and categorizing just about anything.

Even in a community as small as TTRPG players there is still tribalism.
I'm 49 and I love change and new editions and new games in general.
I agree with Morrus its a term used to categorize behavior...and most likely by someone behaving badly themselves.
So in short; nah i don't mind when people call me names.

 

Mannahnin

Scion of Murgen (He/Him)

• Friday at 7:57 PM

• #10

I have no objection to it. I see it mostly as a state of mind, one I occasionally find myself in.