NPC energy definition: what "NPC energy" means and examples

In video games, an NPC is a "Non-Player Character" who just stands around and repeats the same lines. To have "NPC energy" is to act like a background character in your own life. It suggests a person lacks individuality, follows trends blindly, or doesn't seem to have a "soul" or original thought. It is a slightly cheeky way of saying someone is being boring or predictable. It highlights the modern youth's desire to stand out and be the "main character."

Examples:

1. "He was just standing there with total NPC energy."
2. "The way everyone is wearing the same shoes is giving NPC energy."
3. "I felt like such an NPC today just following the crowd at the mall."