netlagA 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)