ELI5: what does it mean to be “meta” about something?

I really think you should've specified the context of your question, due to the different uses of "meta"

I scrolled for a while and didn't see a single person explain the gaming/competitive/efficiency version of the term

"Meta" Can refer to the acronym "Most effective tactic available"

In gaming, this can be the literal best tactic, the best items to use, the best weapon, the best skills, overall strategy, etc. If something is meta, it's the most effective tactic available.

In warfare, you have situations and a hundred ways to respond to a given situation. Whether it's sending a ground team, extracting by helicopter, or carpet bombing an area. The best option for a given situation is the Meta, the Most effective tactic available.

I figured I wouldn't explain the other uses of the word as other people have done that, but I didn't see this common usage being explained

/r/explainlikeimfive Thread