How 2 talk on the Internets
Perhaps it’s the English major/editor in me, but digital shorthand—”u” instead of “you” and so on—makes me cringe. Indeed, I still remember the confusion I felt in sixth grade when my family subscribed to AOL and, overjoyed at the privilege of having my very own screenname, I entered a chatroom full of pre-LOL abbreviations—including “im me,” which I just didn’t get; I assumed people were saying “I’m me,” to which the only response I could think of was “duh,” in accordance with the common parlance of the time.
Which is why I just couldn’t bring myself to post our dear intern Maggie’s “translations for the technologically impaired” when she wrote them out for us a few weeks ago. Because when it comes down to it, even though I know what the strings of letters mean, I just can’t bring myself to use them.
But maybe it’s time to give in? Yesterday, Tina of the popular design blog swissmiss posted The Next Generation of Online Shorthand, which includes more up-to-date acronyms such as GI (Google it), IIOYT (is it on YouTube?), FCAO (five conversations and once), and—eek—TWD (typing while driving).
Check Maggie’s list below for a refresher course on the classics, then get ready for the future. Oh, and if you find any new ones, SML.
OMG Oh my gawd. Conveys shock and/or excitement. Pause between letters to add even more drama.
LOL Laughing out loud. Recommended for use when something isn’t that funny, but you want to show you care.
BTW By the way
SUP - hi, how’s it going, general greeting for any situation, will most likely be returned with another sup (this exchange qualifies as the greeting, how are you, and how are you response all in one).
TOTES Totally. Confirms complete agreement.
BRB Be right back. Just say it and walk away.
G’Night Goodnight. For when typing “ood” takes too long.
JK Just kidding. Perfect for making it sound like you’re joking even when you’re not.
JW Just wondering. Makes intrusive personal questions seem lighthearted and fun!
TTYL Talk to you later
BB Bye bye
[image taken from icanhascheezburger.com—if u hazn’t seen it yetz, ur way behind, doodz]
