Wild WordAI Experience
system prompt
“Hidden instructions that set the model's role and rules before the user talks.”
First Seen
2022–23
Context
The system prompt is injected at the start of the conversation context, invisible to the user but shaping how the model behaves. Developers use it to set persona, enforce safety rules, and provide background knowledge. Its hidden nature makes it a target for prompt injection attacks.
Citation
OpenAI API docs / Anthropic system prompt docs
2022–23
https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/text-generationA wild word — documented from usage in the field, not coined by Xenolexica.
Language & Expression