P2W

What Does P2W Mean?

P2W means "Pay to Win," "Play To Win," and "Professional Time Waster."

Here is more information about each of these definitions of PTW, with examples of use.

Pay to Win

P2W is used in gaming with the meaning "Pay to Win," to refer to games that allow players to purchase items or abilities (e.g., more powerful weapons, additional health points) that give them an advantage in the game, either over other players or NPCs (Non-Player Characters). For example:

• Julie: Have you ever played Clash of Clans?
• Len: I wouldn't bother unless you've got loads of money. You don't stand a chance unless you are prepared to P2W.

P2W is a very controversial aspect of gaming, especially in MP (Multiplayer) games. Many players strongly object to people being able to pay to trump their own hard-earned experience or superior skills.

Check out our full list of online gaming terms.

Play to Win

P2W is widely used in sports, business, and gaming, with the meaning "Play To Win." In this context it indicates that a person or team takes the activity or endeavor seriously and intends to triumph. For example:

• Clive: Wow! You're taking this project very seriously.
• Liz: There's no point in doing a job, if you don't take it seriously. I always P2W.

Professional Time Waster

P2W is also used with the meaning "Professional Time Waster." In this context it refers to someone who is either dedicated to avoiding work, or needlessly wastes the time of other people (e.g., by requesting complicated quotations for a job when they have no real intention of contracting the service in question). For example:

• Frank: A Mr Johnson just rang and asked for a quote for a holiday in Bali.
• Steph: I wouldn't invest too much time in that. He's a P2W.

P2W is often typed as PTW.

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of P2W Used in a Text