"Holiwars" or "holivars" refers to heated debates or flame wars that occur online, typically in forums or social media, over highly opinionated and polarizing topics. The term is a blend of "holy" and "war," suggesting the almost religious fervor with which people engage in these arguments. The topics in holivars are usually subjective or ideological, and people hold strong, often unshakable beliefs about them.
Common holivar topics include:
Operating Systems: Windows vs. macOS vs. Linux
Programming Languages: Python vs. Java vs. JavaScript
Gaming: Console wars (PlayStation vs. Xbox vs. PC)
Tech Brand Loyalty: iPhone vs. Android
Cultural Debates: Veganism vs. meat-eating, or various political ideologies
These debates are often characterized by intense emotional engagement, a tendency to escalate quickly, and sometimes even trolling, as participants seek to defend their side or dismiss the other as inferior.
