What it means
A tryhard is someone going way too all-in for a thing that's meant to be chill. In games it's the one sweating like there's prize money on the line. Outside gaming, it's anyone trying so hard to look effortless, cool, or impressive that the effort itself starts showing.
Usage examples
"It is a friendly kickabout, no need to slide tackle, you tryhard."
"She colour-codes her holiday itinerary, total tryhard energy."
"Mate turned up to the five-a-side in full compression gear and started barking tactics. Proper tryhard."
"Bro it's a pub quiz, why've you made a revision folder? That's tryhard behaviour."
Where it comes from
Built from try and hard, the term came up in online gaming for players who were pushing way harder than the lobby vibe really called for. From there it spread into wider slang for anyone overcommitting to look good, win, or prove something in situations meant to stay light.
Other ways to say it
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