space invaders: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Nostalgic, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “space invaders” mean?
A classic 1978 fixed-shooter arcade video game where the player defends Earth by shooting at descending rows of alien pixel-art spacecraft.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A classic 1978 fixed-shooter arcade video game where the player defends Earth by shooting at descending rows of alien pixel-art spacecraft.
Used metaphorically to refer to: 1) aliens from outer space in general; 2) any group or force that aggressively enters or encroaches upon a territory or domain; 3) a nostalgic symbol for the early video game era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The game and phrase are equally recognized.
Connotations
Evokes strong nostalgia for 1980s culture in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK contexts as a nostalgic reference, due to the game's massive popularity in British arcades and home computers like the ZX Spectrum.
Grammar
How to Use “space invaders” in a Sentence
play + [Space Invaders]reminiscent of + [Space Invaders]a bit of + [Space Invaders]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “space invaders” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new regulations are space-invading our traditional way of doing business. (Non-standard, creative)
American English
- The company is trying to space-invade the market. (Non-standard, creative)
adjective
British English
- He has a very Space Invaders-era mindset about technology.
American English
- The design had a Space Invaders vibe, with lots of simple, blocky graphics.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically in management to describe new, aggressive competitors entering a market: 'The startup felt like Space Invaders, rapidly taking our market share.'
Academic
Rare, but appears in media studies, game history, or cultural analyses of the 1980s.
Everyday
Used in nostalgic conversation: 'We spent all our pocket money on Space Invaders.' Also used humorously: 'My inbox is under attack from space invaders—hundreds of spam emails!'
Technical
In game development, refers to the core mechanics of the 'fixed shooter' genre it defined.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “space invaders”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “space invaders”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “space invaders”
- Using it as a countable noun for individual aliens ('a space invader' is very rare). Confusing it with other classic games like 'Galaga' or 'Asteroids'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word proper noun, always capitalized when referring to the game.
Only in a very informal, humorous, or metaphorical way. For serious discussion, use terms like 'extraterrestrials' or 'alien lifeforms'.
Due to its iconic status in pop culture. It serves as a powerful shorthand for 1980s nostalgia, early video games, and the concept of a relentless, repetitive attack.
Typically 'of' (a game of Space Invaders) or no preposition when used as a direct object (play Space Invaders).
A classic 1978 fixed-shooter arcade video game where the player defends Earth by shooting at descending rows of alien pixel-art spacecraft.
Space invaders is usually informal, nostalgic, figurative in register.
Space invaders: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspeɪs ɪnˈveɪdəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspeɪs ɪnˈveɪdɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like something out of Space Invaders (describing something that approaches in a relentless, repetitive manner).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine INVADERS from SPACE in a classic video game. The phrase itself is the game's title, making it memorable.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION/THREAT IS AN ALIEN INVASION; THE PAST IS A SIMPLE/NOSTALGIC VIDEO GAME.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'Space Invaders'?