Ashes, ashes, we all lie on IM
March 2nd, 2006
It’s occurred to me that LOL (laughing out loud — get it?) is usually a misnomer. People rarely make any actual noise before they type “LOL.” So they’re lying. And since most users don’t use caps anyway, they end up just typing an even more lazy-looking “lol” and waiting for the other person to respond, as if their last IM was a worthy enough contribution to the flow. Hey, buddy: It wasn’t.
So I’ve adopted a new acronym, called AL. It stands for “audibly laughing.” Use this when you really want someone to believe that noise is coming out. Be selective about using it, but be honest. If your body is spontaenously emitting random and awkward sounds resembling some version of glee, the person on the other end deserves to know.
Quick review:
LOL = “That was funny, but I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest I’m completely losing it over here. Great try though. I am loving your effort.”
AL = “I am audibly laughing. You’re hilarious, a genius, and really attractive.”
Happy Ash Wednesday.
(AL!)
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