netlag

netlag
 n.

   [IRC, MUD] A condition that occurs when the delays in the {IRC}
   network or on a {MUD} become severe enough that servers briefly lose
   and then reestablish contact, causing messages to be delivered in
   bursts, often with delays of up to a minute. (Note that this term has
   nothing to do with mainstream "jet lag", a condition which hackers
   tend not to be much bothered by.) Often shortened to just `lag'.
    

netlag
lag

   <networking> A condition that occurs when the delays in the
   {IRC} network, a {MUD} connection, a {telnet} connection, or
   any other networked interactive system, become severe enough
   that servers briefly lose and then reestablish contact,
   causing messages to be delivered in bursts, often with delays
   of up to a minute.  (Note that this term has nothing to do
   with mainstream "jet lag").

   [{Jargon File}]

   (1996-06-21)