“LOL” is an acronym and internet slang word that means laughter or amusement. It is used in online and face-to-face communication, including text messages and social media. It can also indicate sarcasm or dismissal. Variations include ROFL, ALOL, LMFO, and LMHO, which indicate the degree of laughter.
“LOL” stands for “laugh out loud”. It was originally used in online communication as both an acronym and an internet slang word. Early IM and chat room interactions further developed “LOL” into several other variations, including rolling on the floor laughing (ROFL). As a slang word it has come to mean laughter or an indication that someone thinks something is funny.
The acronym “LOL” is used both in the Internet and in face-to-face communication. It is also frequently used in text messages and is an informal, shorthand way to express a laugh. Some people use it to indicate that they are smiling in response to what someone else has said.
“LOL” doesn’t necessarily mean that the person is actually laughing out loud. The acronym has evolved to mean a casual response to anything said or posted online that simply causes amusement. When participating in Internet communication, some use shorthand to appear as if they are engaged in conversation. It saves them from having to formulate a longer, more thoughtful response. “LOL” can also indicate a sarcastic or dismissive reaction.
Laughing out loud or “LOL” can also mean that someone thinks something is hysterical or extremely funny. It means they find something so funny that they burst out laughing. The laughter is usually loud enough for others to hear and can cause the person to have stomach cramps or tears from the force of the laughter.
As an expression, “LOL” is used in more than just instant message and chat room communication. It is often used in emails, online bulletin boards and social media communications. Posts on popular social networking sites often show the use of internet slang, including “LOL.”
Text messages also use the acronym. Since the amount of characters normally allowed in a text message is limited, using shorthand can be an effective way to communicate main concepts or points. It can also make the process of composing, replying, and sending messages more efficient.
There are other forms of laughing out loud. Rolling on the Floor Laughing (ROFL), Laughing Out Loud (ALOL), Laughing in Your Face (LMFO), and Laughing Out Loud (LMHO) are variations on the original Internet acronym. While essentially they all mean the same thing, some use each variation to indicate the degree of laughter. ROFL often translates as extremely funny, while LMFO and LMHO are references to how really loud laughter puts pressure on your face and head.
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