Saba Doru

Saba Doru (サバドル) is a Japanese term predominantly used within the context of online gaming, particularly in multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and other cooperative online games. It describes the action of abruptly and unexpectedly leaving a group or party, often during a challenging or crucial situation such as a raid or a difficult quest.

The term implies a sense of desertion, similar to abandoning a teammate or leaving them in a lurch. "Saba" is derived from "saba wo yomu" (鯖を読む), a Japanese idiom meaning "to underreport (numbers) or cheat." In this context, the "saba" element emphasizes the underhanded or deceptive nature of the departure. "Doru" is a shortening of "doron" (ドロン), an onomatopoeic expression used to depict a ninja disappearing in a puff of smoke, signifying a sudden and stealthy vanishing act.

Therefore, "Saba Doru" signifies not just leaving, but leaving suddenly, unexpectedly, and often at a disadvantageous time for the remaining group members. This action is generally considered impolite and detrimental to the gaming experience. The act of "Saba Doru" can negatively impact team morale, potentially leading to failure in the game objective and frustration among players left behind.