Derse is a portmanteau of the words "dearth" (meaning scarcity) and "terse" (meaning clean or concise). The name was coined by
Andrew Hussie (author of Homestuck) to
distinguish a particular planet in the comic/franchise.
The planet "Derse" is in opposition to the planet "Prospit". Prospit is also a portmanteau - prosperity + respite.
In the game spurb, there are players who are Dersites and players who are Prospitians.