What does mod mean?
A mod is an alteration or customization, especially an unofficial change made to a video game, vehicle, or other object. In modern gaming, the word commonly refers both to the modification itself and to the community-made software that changes a game's content, appearance, or behavior. “Mod” is also the name of a 1960s British youth subculture whose members were associated with tailored suits, scooters, and soul music. As a verb, “to mod” means to make such alterations, and forms such as “modded” and “modding” are common in informal technical speech. The word is generally informal, although it has become firmly established in specialized digital communities. Its different meanings share an association with changing or customizing something, while the cultural sense preserves the distinctive identity of the mid-20th-century British subculture.
A modification, especially an unofficial alteration to a game, vehicle, or other object; also, historically, a member of the 1960s British youth subculture.
"That mod adds new weapons and changes the character models."
To modify, customize, or alter something, especially a game, vehicle, or other object.
"They modded the old console to run independent games."
Used for multiple modifications, game modifications, or members of the 1960s subculture.
"The site hosts hundreds of mods for the game."
The word “mod” also names a 1960s youth movement whose style combined sharp suits, motor scooters, and a strong preference for soul music.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mod come from?
The modern computing sense of “mod” is an informal shortening of “modification,” a word derived from Latin modificare, “to alter or limit.” The verb “mod” developed in the same informal register and is especially associated with the alteration of games and other software. The separate term for a member of the 1960s British subculture is also commonly explained as a shortening of “modern,” reflecting the group's rejection of earlier youth styles.
Related word forms
How mod is actually used
The noun and verb are informal. In the gaming and technology contexts, “mod” usually refers to a user-created modification; the historical sense naming a member of the 1960s subculture is primarily British.
Easily confused with mod
A mod is a modification or an informal form of modification, whereas a mode is a way of operating or behaving.