whowas <nickname> [<count>] [<server>]

This command is similar to WHOIS except it asks the server for information about a user who has left irc recently. It shows most of the same information as WHOIS.

The number of entries returned by the server is controlled by the value of SET NUM_OF_WHOWAS. You can override this value by providing a second argument which shall be the number of entries you want returned.

You can query a remote server for a WHOWAS reply with /quote whowas <nick> <count> <server>

The exact determination of what is “recently” enough to be returned by WHOWAS is a server option and may be anywhere from several seconds to several weeks.

To show the last 5 users of the nickname JoeBob:

    /whowas joebob 5