what does it mean to be “meta” about something?

Question

The title. I never understood that expression… can someone help?

Edit: auto correct on ‘someone’

In: 1694

Answer 1

I have an example that might work in this reference to Meta-gaming.

If you’re playing a board game or card game with a group of friends, you’re aware of the rules and how to play. You’ve played this game many times before, though, so you know somewhere in the deck is a special card that does something you want. You know more possible outcomes of the game because you’re familiar with the game. You also know two of your friends have been flirty with each other and might help each other out, so you adjust your gameplay based on this exterior knowledge outside the game.

Alternatively, say you’re playing a videogame, but you’re also aware of the loot drop percentages and how to boost or manipulate those stats. You’re thinking outside the box in a way that forces an outcome in-game based on your knowledge from outside the game.