parakeetitis

Etymology

From parakeet + -itis. From the humorous association of such a player's behaviour with parakeets' repetition of human phrases and supposed affinity for shiny or colourful objects.

Why this word is great

PARAKEETITIS — [Noun] The excessive admiration of, and tendency to be easily distracted by, the visually appealing components of a board game (especially a Eurogame). From parakeet (referencing the bird's attraction to shiny or colorful objects) + -itis (suffix denoting a condition or tendency, from Ancient Greek -ῖτις (-îtis)). Unlike "analysis paralysis" (which stems from overthinking mechanics) or "theme immersion" (which involves narrative absorption), parakeetitis is the surrender to surface allure—the way fingers linger on the smooth, weighted heft of custom metal coins, the gaze snagging on the jewel-toned wooden tokens arranged just so, or the quiet thrill of shuffling linen-finished cards. It is the aesthetic seduction of play, the triumph of beauty over function—proof that even in games, we are still animals drawn to glitter.

noun

  1. The excessive admiration of, and tendency to be easily distracted by, the visually appealing components of a board game (especially a Eurogame).“But $20 games are hard pressed. It's expensive enough to make me think twice, not pretty enough to give me a case of parakeetitis and make me want to impulse buy. (Expensive games do get impulse bought if I trust the company or really like the theme).”