This study investigated the impoliteness strategies and functions used by Mobile
Legends: Bang Bang players in Ranked Mode text chats. The study aimed to
identify the types of impoliteness strategies used by players and to analyze the
functions conveyed through those strategies during gameplay. This study employed
a descriptive qualitative approach. The data consisted of 13 written utterances
collected from three Ranked Mode matches. The data were obtained from
screenshots of naturally occurring in-game text chats and supported by replay
recordings to provide contextual information. The data were analyzed by
identifying, classifying, interpreting, and describing the impolite utterances based
on their linguistic forms and game contexts. Expert judgment was also used to
strengthen the credibility of the data classification and interpretation. The findings
showed that three types of impoliteness strategies were identified: Positive
Impoliteness, Negative Impoliteness, and Sarcasm or Mock Politeness. Positive
Impoliteness was found in utterances that criticized or mocked players' weaknesses,
mistakes, and performance. Negative Impoliteness appeared in utterances that
criticized, restricted, or attempted to influence other players' behavior. Sarcasm or
Mock Politeness occurred when apparently positive or neutral expressions
conveyed criticism, mockery, or ironic meanings. The findings also showed three
functions of impoliteness: Affective Impoliteness, Coercive Impoliteness, and
Entertaining Impoliteness. Affective Impoliteness was the most frequently
identified function and was mainly used to express frustration, dissatisfaction, and
negative emotions. Coercive Impoliteness was used to influence or control other
players' behavior, while Entertaining Impoliteness was used to create humor,
mockery, or teasing. The findings indicate that impoliteness in Mobile Legends text
chats was not limited to offensive language but also involved criticism, sarcasm,
mockery, and context-dependent expressions. Therefore, the game context played
an important role in interpreting the meanings and functions of impoliteness in
players' written interactions.