netlag
A condition that occurs when the delays in the
{IRC} network, a {MUD} connection, a {telnet} connection, or
any other networked interactive system, become severe enough
that servers briefly lose and then reestablish contact,
causing messages to be delivered in bursts, often with delays
of up to a minute. (Note that this term has nothing to do
with mainstream "jet lag").
[{Jargon File}]
(1996-06-21)