Use of LOL

[LarryAndro]

We all know and use the LOL acronym for "laughing out loud." Languages evolve, and uses for words change with time also. I think I am seeing an evolution of the use of LOL.

Initially, when I saw LOL used, it very clearly from context meant the writer was amused a lot. Not just amused, but laughing out loud amused. Increasingly, I see LOL used more like a smiley indicating a positive reaction and not necessarily amusement.

"I think your honing was good, but the shaving edge could have been improved by use of more stropping. lol."

The writer wasn't amused by anything, especially since it was written in response to anything (in my example.) Rather, it seems to ensure the reader understands his tone, his "smiley" tone.

Have I imagined that LOL usage is changing?

As an aside, I am not en etymological Nazi about to pounce on someone who doesn't use a word or acronym correctly. I just find this fascinating.

 

[RichGem]

I have no idea what you are talking about. lol.

 

[bradyarz]

i've noticed that as well. something in me has always rebelled against the use of 'lol'. my solution was always to say 'haha', or if it was really funny and i did happen to laugh out loud, 'hahaha'.

to ensure the reader understands my friendly intent, i'm more apt to use a simple smiley.

 

[LarryAndro]

I have no idea what you are talking about. lol.

Folks, this was a smartass comment that was actually pretty funny!!! lol

Please note that I am really lol. Well, I'm not laughing out loud. But, I'm laughing. Well, actually, I'm not even laughing. But, I am smiling out loud. SOL. But, oops! SOL is already taken.

I think maybe it is a good thing I didn't invent these internet acronyms!

 

[life2short1971]

I have no idea what you are talking about. lol.

lol

 

[Austin]

Lol

 

[Telecaster52]

...But, I am smiling out loud. SOL. But, oops! SOL is already taken.

lolz

 

[LarryAndro]

lolz

I had to look "lolz" up in Wiktionary...

A corruption of lol, probably a leet variation, treated as if it were a noun rather than an interjection and pluralized in a deliberately unconventional manner.

What the heck is a leet variation, Telecaster52, and did you mean that as a leet variation when you "said" it?

 

[bradyarz]

leet, or more properly '1337' is a h4x0r 14|\|gu4g3. i7 1375 y0u 741k i|\| c0d3.

 

[Navig8tor]

LOL = Loser On Line

 

[Go West Young Man]

leet, or more properly '1337' is a h4x0r 14|\|gu4g3. i7 1375 y0u 741k i|\| c0d3.

 

[LarryAndro]

A Bradyarz post...

leet, or more properly '1337' is a h4x0r 14|\|gu4g3. i7 1375 y0u 741k i|\| c0d3.

Followed by a Navig8tor post...

LOL = Loser On Line

I take it that Navig8tor's post refers to the Bradyarz post that immediately preceded it. And, I concur.

Even though it was truthfully funny, do we allow someone like Bradyarz to thumb his hoity toity aristocratic nose at us with his '1337' garbage? Geez! Just because he outranks us intellectually...

 

[Telecaster52]

What the heck is a leet variation, Telecaster52, and did you mean that as a leet variation when you "said" it?

"I Did It For The Lulz" (IDIFTL) is a catchphrase which serves as a blanket explanation for any trolling you do or any internet drama you cause... ...doing something for the lulz is the only reason to do anything. IDIFTL is also the greatest legal defense that has ever been used, second only to the claim of insanity or pleading the 9th.
While doing it for the lulz on the Internets is a perfectly acceptable excuse to do anything, doing so IRL can have painful consequences, especially if your attempt fails. But success in doing so will usually guarantee you a place in the annals of history, as some of the individuals and groups below will attest to. But regardless of success or failure, doing it for the lulz is ALWAYS worth it. In fact, doing it for the lulz is the best thing anyone could ever hope for.

 

[bradyarz]

...do we allow someone like Bradyarz to thumb his hoity toity aristocratic nose at us with his '1337' garbage? Geez! Just because he outranks us intellectually...

411 y0u|2 8453 4|23 8310|\|g 70 u5!!!

 

[LarryAndro]

411 y0u|2 8453 4|23 8310|\|g 70 u5!!!

One of the wisest things a friend ever told me was, "Larry, don't argue with someone too dumb to know when they are wrong." Turning that advice on its ear, I am beginning to think that I should quit arguing with you, Bradyarz, for I am too dumb to understand what you are saying!

Reminds me of our lawerly oldest son. He would lawyer us to death with his questions and legal arguments. The only thing that would work would be to give him an answer so above his head he had no earthly clue....

"Adam, the reason the sky is blue is because of the ionization of electrical charges within water molecules on the order of a few angstroms in diameter."

That would do it. It wouldn't matter that I confused a rainbow with sky color.

Bradyarz... I am beginning to think you have turned the tables on me. Now, I know how Adam felt!

I'm not talking to you anymore!!

 

[kg4ghn]

Ok, I'm in on it. I've done stuff for teh lulz and everything. But I have no idea what bradyarz's post says. May be the point, idk.

Reminds me of this:

 

[Veritas II]

411 y0u|2 8453 4|23 8310|\|g 70 u5!!!

That was one of the funniest posts of the month.

 

[kg4ghn]

411 y0u|2 8453 4|23 8310|\|g 70 u5!!!

I just now figured out what this says. Should have been obvious I suppose. lol.

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

I ROFLMFAO all throughout this thread.

i've noticed that as well. something in me has always rebelled against the use of 'lol'. my solution was always to say 'haha', or if it was really funny and i did happen to laugh out loud, 'hahaha'.

to ensure the reader understands my friendly intent, i'm more apt to use a simple smiley.

This is what I do, as well. I gave up on "lol" at some point when I was in high school. That was a decade ago. lol

 

[kg4ghn]

What's even better(or worse?) is that now people are actually saying, "lol."


"hey man, blah blah blah"


"lawl, that's funny"