I've been reading a couple forums for a couple weeks now and the word "neg" seems to be thrown around a lot. Although I feel people are misusing the word, leading to the appearance of it being overused.
For example, a lot of people say "I negged her", when it actually seems they were just doing some teasing. Which are completely different things.
As I see it:
Negs are genuine compliments, but make the girl feel less about herself (especially when she has to put herself down ala the false nails neg). It lowers her value and makes her think you think less of her, making her qualify (if she is interested in you).
Teasing is sarcastic, although can be seen as a "neg" as it can be negative. Just general banter. Teasing isn't meant to make the girl feel inferior, but in some ways make you higher as it is a form of showing value (being funny).
I know really I need an example, but as I said, I've seen people say they neg someone when it seems it was more just a C&F tease, or when someone teases her and writes (<- neg) or whatever afterwards.
Or maybe it's just me.
