People who use chatroom lingo in conversation

you know they've been IM-ming too long when...

[httpwebwitch]

a friend was sharing an amusing anecdote when she came out with "LOL!" - rhyming with "ball". She said it aloud, just like that. "ha ha ha - LOL!"

It really took me by surprise.

And I notice that some people around this office like to exclaim "#*$!" (mind the swear filter), not the words the acronym stands for, but just that: "double you tee eff!"

Is this a sign that our society (or maybe just the society I keep) is becoming geekier? Do you think our language should contain words like "LOL"?

Is "LOL" the new "OK"?

[Debbie_King]

This is similar to the increasing trend of people using mobile phone shorthand in office emails and even in written memoranda.

Things like using "C U 2moro" for "See you tomorrow" or "B4" for "before".

There was even the case of the teenage girl who handed in a completely illegible 'English' essay written entirely in phone shorthand. See following:

[news.bbc.co.uk...]

Sad, IMHO.

[Milamber]

A friend of mine has a tendency so say "Oh eM Gee" at times it's halarious.

[lZakl]

A bit off-topic, but ...

This is just me, but when I read a post in the forum that looks something like:

what if u r wanting to ... i can't do this....

That lack of whatever you want to call it, (grammar, proper speech, etc. I mean at LEAST capitalize your I's) tells me that the person didn't want to take the time to ask the question correctly. And I am expected to not only take my time deciphering this encrypted text, but then they're asking for help?

Instant "Back Button"

I think it's ok to signify expression, such as 'LOL, LMAO, *G* :0) ;) etc. in written word (if in a casual environment) But to hack complete sentences into incomplete, incomprehensible garble? That's just too much for me.

Now back to the topic. I generally remove myself from a conversation that includes any butchered form of the English language. It's one thing to let it slip, but I know people who purposefully use 'chatroom lingo' in everyday speech. Again, too much for me.

I remember in my younger days, nuking peolpe who IM'd me, 'ASL?'

-- Zak