LogFAQs > #986893627

I don't think it's really a cut and dry thing. It really depends on the game, what the "reward" for getting gud is, and what the barrier for being "gud" was in the first place.

To add to that, I think it's more about the way you encourage a player to take the game on that could turn it smug or constructive.

Unironic shit like "skill issue" or "git gud" is definitely pretty smug, especially if that's more or less all that's said. But like something like "If you're struggling with this, you could probably do with spending a little time getting the jump tech down, that whole section of the game revolves around that mechanic so getting the feel for that will make it much more manageable"- You're still encouraging the player to get better, and you're giving them a little advice on what'll help them handle the game, but you're not making it a "skill issue" thing, just explaining the skill that'll help unlock what they can do when they spend a little time getting more comfortable in the game.