The visible, gaseous part of a fire, typically appearing as a bright, flickering light. In internet slang, refers to hostile or insulting messages posted online.
From Old English 'flæme', related to Latin 'flamma'. The internet usage emerged in the 1980s, metaphorically comparing angry online messages to destructive fire that can spread rapidly and cause damage.
The evolution of 'flame' from describing literal fire to internet hostility reflects how digital communication borrows from our most primal experiences. 'Flame wars' in online forums mirror how real fires can spread uncontrollably, consuming everything in their path.
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