Whenever I read an interesting article that has a lively discussion, I sometimes feel the urge to join in and contribute. I want to share what I know.
However, when I encounter a foreign word or a Net Lingo, I lose momentum because I still have to research its definition if I can’t figure out what it means in a sentence.
It’s frustrating sometimes when a time-sensitive discussion goes hot and I want to reply to some of the comments. Looking up the words can be a waste of time. How I wished I knew those words at the start because, before I can respond after research, somebody has already “stolen” or written my argument.
That’s the reason why I am going to share with you my top 10 popular internet lingos to help you improve your online surfing experience:
Alphabetically arranged:
• FTW – For The Win – Commonly used in sports forum, particularly in sports game updates where members talk about the player who is taking the buzzer-beating shot for the win.
• LMAO – Laughing My Arse Out – Used by people when they read something real funny. LMAO has replaced the old LOL (Laughing Out Loud) and ROTFL (Rolling on the floor laughing). Two things I noticed about LMAO. 1.) It is seldom used by women. 2.) It is frequently used by a top SEO master Vic Franqui. For SEO ranking purposes? I am not sure.
• QFT – Quoted For Truth – I personally like this one. Short but powerful. It simply means a vote of approval when a person reads something honest and truthful and he can’t pass up the chance to quote the author.
• SFW / NSFW – Safe For Work / Not Safe For Work – These terms are often suffixed after a topic title to forewarn a reader that he is about to view a post that contains graphic pictures/videos and his work might be at stake if he tries to view it. By the way, shouldn’t you be working instead of watching videos?
• WTH – What The Heck – This is usually followed by a question mark, to express utmost disbelief. “Heck” can be substituted by another “H” word unpleasant to Christian ears. WTH is a cousin of a stronger term WTF which is normally the choice expression of a foul-mouthed person.
Honorable Mentions
I separated the next 5 because their definitions are pretty much self-explanatory. All of them are used in chats, text messages, discussion boards and forum:
• AFAIK – As Far As I Know.
• IDK – I Don’t Know.
• IIRC – If I Recall Correctly
• IMO / IMHO – In My Opinion / In My Humble Opinion.
• OTOH – On The Other Hand
IN CLOSING
Learning new things is a challenge. If you are a member of a forum, don’t be afraid to ask. Most of the time, members are more than willing to help you out. But if you are too embarrassed, then make sure to bookmark this page and share it with others who are afraid to be branded as “newbie”.
Do you have a top 5 or top 10 Net Lingos? If you still have doubts on certain net lingos, feel free to come back and post them here.
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Thanks for explaining those things – there were several there that I have never seen used and a few I’ve seen but wasn’t fully sure of their meanings. Good job!
Thanks for clearing some of those up. About the only one I know is LOL, I stumbled it so I could find it again. I find on some of the social networks I feel really old as I don’t always know what they are talking about.
@Jeni and @Vic, thanks! I’m glad both of you found this useful. Oh, and Vic, thanks for stumbling! Felt the wave immediately.
When I was starting chatting I met lingos like:
ASL – Age Sex Location
CTC – Care To Chat
BRB – Be Right Back
AFK – Away From Keyboard
and oh…
GTG – Got To Go
Maybe someone can help me, what does it mean when you see: SMCH?
I am still puzzled as to what that one means. Hmmm…
But great stuff Saedel. You truly can learn something new e’erday bro.
Marcus Langford
@Marcus – I researched SMCH, but I couldn’t find any definitions.. I even asked my friends (teenagers), but it appears that they’ve never heard of it as well… that’s weird. Anyway, the closest acronym I found was SMH, which means Shaking My Head. Do you think, that’s the term you’re looking for?
I use these sparingly – overuse can make your communication style look immature, in my opinion (or should I say, IMO?) I have a friend who ends everything in LOL. It makes me want to wring her neck LOL.
@Tip Diva
Sometimes, I also use Net Lingos when posting an informal comment (minimally, though).
I agree with you. I never use Net Lingos when I am posting or writing an email. However, I use this in chats and forums if I know it won’t hurt my reputation.
Actually FTW is better known as F*ck the World
Net lingo is the precursor to texting lingo. It is interesting all the combinations of letters that people come up with. People forget that not everyone has the same definitions for the same series of letters. The examples that you have given here are great general examples. But, there are times when people export their favorite forum’s shorthand. now that can get really interesting when there is a heated discussion going on. Great writeup.