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.

I stumbled upon a cool website where people, especially young kids, can enjoy making art using their mouse. Fun and addicting, you won’t even notice the time go by.

It is called Art.com ArtPad, a very simple, easy-to-use program. If you haven’t done any digital drawing before because you thought it’s complicated, this website will definitely change your mind.

The tools are easy to recognize because they are neatly arranged on the left side. The drawing pencil changes automatically to brush as you increase its size, and vice versa. The colors are not elaborate; very basic, yet, with the inclusion of opacity, you can make an outstanding effect of color combinations.

What I like about this is its useful file capabilities: For instance, you can PRINT your work right off the bat, which sends your design directly to the printer. It also has SAVE and SEND features — you can save your work and/or send it to others. You can also let art.com display your work. If you are running out of ideas, simply hit VIEW OTHER PAINTINGS to see other people’s work.

If you are like me who wants to explore every possibilities, then you are bound to make mistakes at some point. But don’t worry. ArtPad has an unlimited UNDO capability that rolls back your errors.

As a computer teacher, I will definitely use this tool with my classes to increase my students’ interest in technology and to help them discover their creative side without the pressure.

Screen shot of Art.com’s ArtPad