Oldbies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to individuals who have been around in a particular community or activity for a significant time, often possessing deep knowledge and experience
2. It denotes seasoned participants who are recognized for their long-standing presence and contributions within a specific group or environment
3. The word implies both respect and familiarity towards those who have remained engaged over many years in a specific context or field

Etymology: "Oldbies" is the plural of "oldbie," a noun for a long-serving member of a group, community or online forum. It was formed from "old" plus the suffix "-bie," and was coined as a deliberate counterpart to "newbie," the familiar term for a newcomer. The pairing is the whole point: where "newbie" marks someone who is just arriving, "oldbie" marks someone who has been around long enough to have become part of the furniture. The "-bie" ending comes from "newbie" itself, which is where the suffix seems to have been borrowed from. Because it reads as a playful, slightly affectionate clipping, it fits the casual register of online communities where the terms are most often used.