from
Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)
IRC
/I.R.C/, n.
[Internet Relay Chat] A worldwide "party line" network that allows one
to converse with others in real time. IRC is structured as a network
of Internet servers, each of which accepts connections from client
programs, one per user. The IRC community and the {Usenet} and {MUD}
communities overlap to some extent, including both hackers and regular
folks who have discovered the wonders of computer networks. Some
Usenet jargon has been adopted on IRC, as have some conventions such
as {emoticon}s. There is also a vigorous native jargon, represented in
this lexicon by entries marked `[IRC]'. See also {talk mode}.
from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
Internet Relay Chat
IRC
<chat, messaging> (IRC) /I-R-C/, occasionally /*rk/ A
{client-server} {chat} system of large (often worldwide)
networks. IRC is structured as networks of {Internet}
{servers}, each accepting connections from {client} programs,
one per user.
The IRC community and the {Usenet} and {MUD} communities
overlap to some extent, including both {hackers} and regular
folks who have discovered the wonders of computer networks.
Some {Usenet} jargon has been adopted on IRC, as have some
conventions such as {emoticons}. There is also a vigorous
native jargon (see the entry for "{chat}").
The largest and first IRC network is {EFNet}, with a smaller
breakaway network called the {Undernet} having existed since
1992, and dozens of other networks having appeared (and
sometimes disappeared) since.
See also {nick}, {bot}, {op}.
Yahoo's IRC index
(http://yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/Internet/Chat/IRC/).
(1998-01-25)