pinging
Sharp repeated tone
Pinging is sending a brief signal to check if something or someone is reachable and responsive.
In computing, pinging tests whether a server or device is online: I'm pinging the server to see if it's down.
More casually, pinging someone means sending them a quick message to get their attention or check in: I'll ping you later about dinner.
The word evokes the sharp sound of sonar—a pulse sent out, waiting for a reply.
Formal notice given
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- textWritten or printed words
- DMPrivate digital correspondence
- buzzContinuous low drone
nudge · mention · reply · inbox · chat · SMS · email · reminder
Underwater detection by echoes
- radarRadio-wave object detection
- echoReflected sound wave
- latencyDelay in system response
- packetSmall sealed container
response · timeout · connectivity · server · traceroute · network · round-trip · milliseconds
notification
Formal notice given
buzz · nudge · mention · reply · inbox · chat · SMS · email · reminder · update
sonar
Underwater detection by echoes
packet · response · timeout · connectivity · server · traceroute · network · round-trip · milliseconds · host
- car problemsflat tire, dead battery, engine light, check engine, brake failure
- contactingcalling, phoning, texting, emailing, messaging
- machine soundshumming, buzzing, whirring, clanking, grinding
- engine behavioridling, running, stalling, starting, revving
- gaming tacticsflanking, positioning, baiting, rushing, turtling
- GPSsatellite, GPS navigation, GPS tracking, latitude, GPS receivers
pingingignoring
Deliberately not noticing
ghosting · radio silence · not responding · tuning out · disconnecting
pinginglistening
Attending to sound
offline · disconnected · waiting · unresponsive · receiving