Why do they use the term "shooter" for these mass murderers?

[orangecrush]

It makes it sound like a video game.

"Killer" or "murderer" is much more accurate.

Video games that involve killiing are referred to as "first person shooter" games.

It's a glorification and at least minimalizing.


"A first-person shooter is a video game centered on gun fighting and other weapon-based combat seen from a first-person perspective, with the player experiencing the action directly through the eyes of the main character."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-person_shooter#:~:text=A%20first%2Dperson%20shooter%20(FPS,eyes%20of%20the%20main%20character.

[TommyT139]

1. Because there are often more victims than the ones who die.

And - just guessing here - the designation of "murder" is a crime, so should not be applied prematurely, at least by journalists and authorities.

"Shooter" predates video games, of course. Come to think of it, the fact that there are video games, arcade games, and midway games where the main skill is shooting -- that says something about a society.

Edited to add:
"Shooter" is not gendered, as "gunman" is, although the latter seems appropriate for someone who is a man.

[EYESORE 9001]

2. It occurs to me that there aren't many 'gunwomen' killers

Not amongst mass murderers, that is.

[Groundhawg]

3. It describes the method of killing. It's important.

[sop]

4. I guess "shooter" is easier to say than "heavily-armed angry firearms fetishist."