Lol – A Web Buzzword That’s Not Expressive Anymore

Lol - Originally, it was used by web fads to mean “laughing out loud” or “lots of laughs” as a suggestion of amusement. The acronym has most commonly been used in chat conversations to mean that you are laughing or you have found something humorous. At times it is substituted with LAWL, LAL or LOLZ. Today, the ellipsis has been used to the extent that when someone uses it, they don’t probably mean it. Perhaps, it’s that you don’t have anything to reply back but need to show that you are still attentive. Even if the chatter doesn’t tickle you, you will throw through a “lol” to pretend that you are amused.

Lol has rather been used as a silence breaker or a sentence-filler during a chat conversation. People may or may not reply it as a joke or as a result of something funny. Now it’s simply an answer to a statement when you don’t have something better to respond. According to a web enthusiast, lol has lost meaning and should rather be used to mean “Lack of laughter”. So, be aware next time a “lol” drops in your chat, he may be hinting that there’s nothing worth laughing on what you have said!

Figure this;

John: I ripped my job today while I don’t think there’s an extra chance left. It’s all ruined!

Me: lol