The use of "lol"

UPtimist · 06-10-2006, 09:43 AM

LOL has become such a universal term now, and in Finland there are some very weird ways to use it, which have nothing to do with the original meaning, pretty much (much because of the way the Finnish grammar works).

Now, what I'm wondering is, do you actually laugh out loud when you say LOL or something, or are you just mildly amused, or what?

Or does LOL mean to you for example, say, Lots Of Luck or something?

And what do you think, are you and people generally over-using LOL?

Spoiler:
Yes.

saucyminx · 06-10-2006, 09:44 AM

Lol.

UPtimist · 06-10-2006, 09:46 AM

Have I been lolled now?

Hmm... Maybe there could be a refined version, LOLL: Laughing Out Loud Literally. Then again, there is the word "loll" or to loll or whatever, and that would just be silly.

saucyminx · 06-10-2006, 09:49 AM

Nah. You provided me a window of oppurtunity that I couldn't resist.

Usually I use LOL when I find something that really amuses me or when I don't know what else to say. It's a great filler.

Karmillo · 06-10-2006, 09:59 AM

I use rofl when Im really laughing out loud.

Lol...I use it sometimes when im slightly amuse or when someone tells a bad joke or says something not really funny but they seem to find it funny and I think "maybe I sould laugh..." and just say lol to avoid an awkward situation

Trunkyo · 06-10-2006, 10:04 AM

I'm usually just mildly amused (chuckling or snickering, not a full-blown 'BWAHAHA!') whenever I use 'lol' in IMing, and almost never in a forum post such as this.

What's really annoying is people who either type 'lololololololol' to convey something they think is extremely funny, or saying "lawl" like it's a word *special

for SamNMax, you die now! BWAHAHA!

*

Um, yes. And when people type "he he", do they really mean "hee hee" or "heh heh"? Just wonderin'.

UPtimist · 06-10-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trunkyo

What's really annoying is people who either type 'lololololololol' to convey something they think is extremely funny, or saying "lawl" like it's a word *special

for SamNMax, you die now! BWAHAHA!

*

Yeah, exactly what I was trying to talk about.

Makes no sense when you think about it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trunkyo

Um, yes. And when people type "he he", do they really mean "hee hee" or "heh heh"? Just wonderin'.

Well, if I say it, it's two sharp e's

So it's not either "hee hee" or "heh heh"

Phantom · 06-10-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karmillo

I use rofl when Im really laughing out loud.

Lol...I use it sometimes when im slightly amuse or when someone tells a bad joke or says something not really funny but they seem to find it funny and I think "maybe I sould laugh..." and just say lol to avoid an awkward situation

Exactly the same here.

The funny thing is that lol is one of those terms that somehow creep into normal verbal language as well. I've said 'lol' literally quite a few times among friends, when something is mildly amusing but not extremely. Friends tend to do the same.

Recently we had a philosophical discussion about it.
Why do we (subconsciously) introduce 'lol' to verbal language, but refrain from doing so for 'wtf'? We think it's because 'what the ****' is actually faster to pronounce than 'w-t-f', but 'lol' is faster than 'this is funny' or something similar.

Sage · 06-10-2006, 10:14 AM

I never type "LOL" unless the preceding post did in fact cause me to laugh out loud. If said post only makes me snigger a little, then I type "*snigger*".
In answer to an earlier question, I type "hehe" or "hehehe" if the preceding post makes me giggle. I suppose that would be halfway between a snigger and laughing out loud.
I find the people who type "LOL" after each sentence to be somewhat disturbing. I mean, anyone who laughed out loud that much in real life would be locked up in a rubber room in short order. I also find myself wondering if there's not a leaking nitrous oxide source somewhere in these people's vicinity.

Jeysie · 06-10-2006, 10:39 AM

I almost never use LOL.

If something's really, really funny, I use either "XD" or "*dies laughing*".

If something's moderately funny, I use "Hee", "Hee, hee" or "Tee, hee, hee" to indicate different levels of funny.

If something's mildly funny, I use "/me chuckles" or something similar.

If the joke was evil, then of course "Muahahaha" is the proper choice.

In real life I generally have three responses... a smirk, a wide grin, and a belly laugh. I don't snicker, chuckle, or giggle much.

My roommate and I say "WTF, mate?" in real life, but that's because of a Flash video his sister showed us once.

Peace & Luv, Liz

Dasilva · 06-10-2006, 11:52 AM

I use LOL when I'm sexually frustrated.

LOL!

UPtimist · 06-10-2006, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

Recently we had a philosophical discussion about it.
Why do we (subconsciously) introduce 'lol' to verbal language, but refrain from doing so for 'wtf'? We think it's because 'what the ****' is actually faster to pronounce than 'w-t-f', but 'lol' is faster than 'this is funny' or something similar.

So you pronounce each letter separately then? We don't do that, though I don't pretty much use it anyways. And in Finnish, when not pronouncing 'w' the long way, w-t-f, which you can't really pronounce except by pronouncing each letter separately, is shorter or just as long/short as saying the actual words.

And of course it's such a dirty word, you shouldn't use it

*stepurhan* · 06-10-2006, 12:50 PM

I almost never use abbreviations of any kind. I even type things out completely in text messages as well.

As this discussion just goes to show, everyone has a different idea of what it means so why not say what you mean. Saves misinterpretation. Can see a flame war starting because someone who uses lol for a proper laugh is responding to someone who considers it as, mildly amusing I guess.

Phantom · 06-10-2006, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UPtimist

So you pronounce each letter separately then? We don't do that, though I don't pretty much use it anyways. And in Finnish, when not pronouncing 'w' the long way, w-t-f, which you can't really pronounce except by pronouncing each letter separately, is shorter or just as long/short as saying the actual words.

And of course it's such a dirty word, you shouldn't use it

I don't really understand what you're saying, sorry.

I say 'lol' as if it is one word. But it's impossible to pronounce 'wtf' as one word, since it consists of 3 consonants. So the only way to pronounce it would be like 'wee (or double-you) tee eff' which is, in our experience, more difficult to pronounce than simply 'what the ****'. So our subconsciousness decided that there was no point in using the abbreviation.

Phantom · 06-10-2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepurhan

I almost never use abbreviations of any kind. I even type things out completely in text messages as well.

As this discussion just goes to show, everyone has a different idea of what it means so why not say what you mean. Saves misinterpretation. Can see a flame war starting because someone who uses lol for a proper laugh is responding to someone who considers it as, mildly amusing I guess.

I agree completely, you shouldn't use these abbreviations in forum topics or so. It's had form. But they're okay on IRC or in an instant messenger I guess, since you're usually talking to close friends there who know you and know what you mean.

They have their place; it's just not on a public forum.

Catbert · 06-10-2006, 01:22 PM

Dasilva · 06-10-2006, 01:33 PM

Erm, okay...

Karmillo · 06-10-2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catbert

Ah Jesus, the best part of LOL. How could I forget those?

Jazhara7 · 06-10-2006, 03:35 PM

I have caught myself actually saying "lol" a few times, while not on the Internet.

The funny thing is, I don't actually write "lol" all that often. I actually write *laughs out loud* or something like "That made me laugh out loud" most of the time while on the Internet. I don't do this intentionally, it's something I do without thinking. I don't know why.

-

RLacey · 06-10-2006, 03:41 PM

Weird. I hate myself for using "lol" as regularly as I do, but I very rarely say it in real life (except ironically)...

06-10-2006, 09:43 AM	#1
UPtimist Life and times of... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Up there in the mist Posts: 6,025	The use of "lol" LOL has become such a universal term now, and in Finland there are some very weird ways to use it, which have nothing to do with the original meaning, pretty much (much because of the way the Finnish grammar works). Now, what I'm wondering is, do you actually laugh out loud when you say LOL or something, or are you just mildly amused, or what? Or does LOL mean to you for example, say, Lots Of Luck or something? And what do you think, are you and people generally over-using LOL? Spoiler: Yes. Share Share this post on Twitter

06-10-2006, 09:44 AM	#2
saucyminx Schoolgirl From Hell Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,930	Lol. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "My life is my longest journey I wish to fulfill with my dreams..." "Or is it I who has penetrated you?"

06-10-2006, 09:46 AM	#3
UPtimist Life and times of... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Up there in the mist Posts: 6,025	Have I been lolled now? Hmm... Maybe there could be a refined version, LOLL: Laughing Out Loud Literally. Then again, there is the word "loll" or to loll or whatever, and that would just be silly. Share Share this post on Twitter

06-10-2006, 09:49 AM	#4
saucyminx Schoolgirl From Hell Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,930	Nah. You provided me a window of oppurtunity that I couldn't resist. Usually I use LOL when I find something that really amuses me or when I don't know what else to say. It's a great filler. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "My life is my longest journey I wish to fulfill with my dreams..." "Or is it I who has penetrated you?"

06-10-2006, 09:59 AM	#5
Karmillo woof Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NOT REALLY RIGHT HERE Posts: 4,750	I use rofl when Im really laughing out loud. Lol...I use it sometimes when im slightly amuse or when someone tells a bad joke or says something not really funny but they seem to find it funny and I think "maybe I sould laugh..." and just say lol to avoid an awkward situation Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "I've got nothing to lose! Except for...well everything."

06-10-2006, 10:04 AM	#6
Trunkyo Beamin' Demon Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: C&D HQ in London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 3,005	I'm usually just mildly amused (chuckling or snickering, not a full-blown 'BWAHAHA!') whenever I use 'lol' in IMing, and almost never in a forum post such as this. What's really annoying is people who either type 'lololololololol' to convey something they think is extremely funny, or saying "lawl" like it's a word special for SamNMax, you die now! BWAHAHA! Um, yes. And when people type "he he", do they really mean "hee hee" or "heh heh"? Just wonderin'. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. Jack Layton, 1950-2011

06-10-2006, 10:14 AM	#9
Sage Bad Influence Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Birmingham, Alabama USA Posts: 5,547	I never type "LOL" unless the preceding post did in fact cause me to laugh out loud. If said post only makes me snigger a little, then I type "snigger". In answer to an earlier question, I type "hehe" or "hehehe" if the preceding post makes me giggle. I suppose that would be halfway between a snigger and laughing out loud. I find the people who type "LOL" after each sentence to be somewhat disturbing. I mean, anyone who laughed out loud that much in real life would be locked up in a rubber room in short order. I also find myself wondering if there's not a leaking nitrous oxide source somewhere in these people's vicinity. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Ignorance is bliss, denial is divine, and willful ignorance is a religious experience. Share the love. <3 Last edited by Sage; 06-10-2006 at 10:19 AM.

06-10-2006, 10:39 AM	#10
Jeysie Diva of Death Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Western Massachusetts Posts: 1,402	I almost never use LOL. If something's really, really funny, I use either "XD" or "dies laughing". If something's moderately funny, I use "Hee", "Hee, hee" or "Tee, hee, hee" to indicate different levels of funny. If something's mildly funny, I use "/me chuckles" or something similar. If the joke was evil, then of course "Muahahaha" is the proper choice. In real life I generally have three responses... a smirk, a wide grin, and a belly laugh. I don't snicker, chuckle, or giggle much. My roommate and I say "WTF, mate?" in real life, but that's because of a Flash video his sister showed us once. Peace & Luv, Liz Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Adventures in Roleplaying (Nov. 19): "Maybe it's still in the Elemental Plane of Candy." "Is the Elemental Plane of Candy anything like Willy Wonka's factory?" "If it is, would that mean Oompa Loompas are Candy Elementals?" "Actually, I'm thinking more like the Candyland board game. But, I like this idea better." "I like the idea of Oompa Loompa Elementals."

06-10-2006, 11:52 AM	#11
Dasilva Hitch-Hiker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The Mediterranean Sea Posts: 4,364	I use LOL when I'm sexually frustrated. LOL! Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Regards, DaSilva "If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is." - Angelina Jolie _ <Susan falls through the floor and gets stuck> <Paco looks at her blankly> "Whats wrong with you?! Lassy would of had a firetruck here by now!" - Susan Mayer, Desperate Housewives

06-10-2006, 12:50 PM	#13
stepurhan Freeware Co-ordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: South East England. Posts: 7,309	I almost never use abbreviations of any kind. I even type things out completely in text messages as well. As this discussion just goes to show, everyone has a different idea of what it means so why not say what you mean. Saves misinterpretation. Can see a flame war starting because someone who uses lol for a proper laugh is responding to someone who considers it as, mildly amusing I guess. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ No Nonsense Nonsonnets #43 Cold Topic A thread most controversial, that’s what I want to start Full of impassioned arguments, of posting from the heart And for this stimulation all will be thankful to me On come on everybody it won’t work if you agree

06-10-2006, 01:22 PM	#16
Catbert DAVE Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 1,326	Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ IS THAT DAVE?

06-10-2006, 01:33 PM	#17
Dasilva Hitch-Hiker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The Mediterranean Sea Posts: 4,364	Erm, okay... Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Regards, DaSilva "If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is." - Angelina Jolie _ <Susan falls through the floor and gets stuck> <Paco looks at her blankly> "Whats wrong with you?! Lassy would of had a firetruck here by now!" - Susan Mayer, Desperate Housewives

06-10-2006, 03:35 PM	#19
Jazhara7 Ale! And keep 'em coming! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Beyond the Pattern of Reality...or Germany Posts: 8,527	I have caught myself actually saying "lol" a few times, while not on the Internet. The funny thing is, I don't actually write "lol" all that often. I actually write laughs out loud or something like "That made me laugh out loud" most of the time while on the Internet. I don't do this intentionally, it's something I do without thinking. I don't know why. - Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ - "esc(x) cot(x) dx = -csc(x)!" Dennis added, and the wizard's robe caught on fire. "Gosh," Dennis said, "and some people say higher math isn't relevant." >>>Inventor of the Mail order-Assassin<<< And This...is a Black Hole - BYE!

06-10-2006, 03:41 PM	#20
RLacey The Thread™ will die. Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 22,542	Weird. I hate myself for using "lol" as regularly as I do, but I very rarely say it in real life (except ironically)... Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ RLacey \| Killer of the Thread™ I do not change to be perfect. Perfect changes to be me.

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