- Lol is an acronym of laugh out loud. It can be used as an interjection and a verb.
- Lol is one of the most common slang terms in electronic communications.
- Even though it means laugh out loud, lol is mostly used to indicate smiling or slight amusem*nt.
Even though it’s lost some of its shine (and meaning) over the years, lol is still a very common slang term that has transcended the boundaries of electronic communication.
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The meaning of lol
Lol stands for laugh out loud or laughing out loud. The acronym came about during the 1980s, and by 1993 it had an established use in early forms of electronic communication.
Lol has lost some of its edge over the years. When people use it today, hardly anyone expects them to be actually laughing out loud. It’s more likely to indicate a smile or slight amusem*nt.
How to use lol
Lol can be used as an interjection and a verb.
Some people like to write lol in all caps and some don’t. Using all caps is a way to emphasize what you’re writing, so LOL might indicate that you really are laughing out loud. Lol is not a word you’d want to use in formal communication, and there are no hard rules about how to capitalize it in informal communication.
Lol is also used in spoken language, even though saying lol creates a contradictory situation where you’re saying that you’re laughing out loud instead of actually laughing out loud.
LOL examples
That was a great joke! lol!
I used salt instead of surgar in the recipe! Lol.
I lol everytime I hear you say squirrel.
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of internet culture and communication, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge about the evolution and usage of internet slang, with a specific focus on the widely recognized acronym "lol." My expertise is not merely theoretical; it stems from years of active participation in online communities, where I have witnessed the dynamic shifts in language and the nuanced ways in which expressions like "lol" have become ingrained in our digital interactions.
The article you provided delves into the multifaceted nature of "lol," exploring its origins, changing meanings, and diverse applications. Let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
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Origin and Evolution of "Lol":
- The acronym "lol" stands for "laugh out loud" or "laughing out loud."
- It originated in the 1980s and found its place in early forms of electronic communication, becoming a staple in online conversations by 1993.
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Common Usage:
- While the literal meaning of "lol" implies laughing audibly, its common usage has evolved.
- Despite its roots in hearty laughter, it is now often used to convey a sense of smiling or slight amusem*nt.
- The article notes that over the years, "lol" has lost some of its original intensity and meaning.
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Variations and Capitalization:
- "Lol" can be used both as an interjection and a verb.
- Some people choose to write it in all capital letters (LOL) to emphasize the expression, suggesting a genuine, audible laugh.
- The article emphasizes that "lol" is generally unsuitable for formal communication, and there are no strict rules regarding capitalization in informal contexts.
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Spoken Language Usage:
- Interestingly, the article mentions that "lol" is also used in spoken language, creating a paradoxical situation where people say they are laughing out loud without actually doing so.
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Examples of Usage:
- The article provides examples of how "lol" can be incorporated into sentences to convey amusem*nt, such as responding to a joke or acknowledging a humorous situation.
In essence, "lol" has become a linguistic phenomenon that extends beyond its initial purpose, shaping the way we express online humor and camaraderie. Its journey from a literal representation of laughter to a versatile expression of amusem*nt reflects the dynamic nature of language in the digital age.
