WASD
Texting & Internet Slang abbreviation · Gaming Slang
| Stands for | W, A, S and D keys (movement controls) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Texting & Internet Slang |
WASD stands for W, A, S and D keys (movement controls), a gaming slang abbreviation.
Standard PC keyboard layout for moving a character: W forward, A left, S backward and D right, with the mouse handling aim and camera. Nearly every PC game uses it by default.
Example: Move with WASD, jump with space and use the mouse to aim.
Usage notes
The layout became the norm in PC shooters in the late 1990s, replacing arrow keys because it keeps the left hand near Shift, Ctrl and number keys. Some players prefer ESDF, which leaves more keys within reach, and left-handed players may use IJKL or the arrow keys. "WASD" also appears in tutorials and menus.