If you read Intersections regularly, then you know I have not posted in a while. The reason is simple: I felt like I didn’t have anything to really say…and I have been very busy.
But, something has happened that I must post about. Something has gone wrong, gotten so out of hand, that I feel the need to take a stand, even if I must stand alone.
What could be such a big deal, you ask? Let me tell you. The problem is composed of three simple letters: “lol.” As in “laugh out loud.”
In our world of text messages, twitter, and other social networking media, we have developed a kind of short hand to save time and keep us from getting carpal tunnel syndrome. I am all for it.
What I am not all for, is what I have seen happening, specifically with the use of “lol,” which seems to be a fan favorite.
LOL is being used and abused and someone must stand up and be a champion for this over-used acronym.
People are using “lol” in the following contexts [these are just examples]:
“Sitting in my room, lol.”
“Going to the movies, lol.”
“Just had a root canal, lol.”
“Watching paint dry, lol.”
When I read “lol” in this context I always wonder, are you really laughing out loud? Is it so funny that you burst forth with hilarious laughter?
I do not intend to be a critic only. I want to offer the world a solution to this travesty of acronymal justice.
May I introduce you to: “limim.” LIMIM proudly stands for “laughing in my inner monologue.” It may have been humorous, but not hilarious enough to force an actual “lol” experience…so, I am simply laughing to myself…in my head.
Citizens of earth, my brothers and sisters of the human race…please join me in limim-ing. Use it freely. Embrace it. Cherish it. It is good.
I hope after reading this no one who frequently uses “lol” will be offended. It is meant only in jest. But seriously, feel free to “limim.” It’s liberating.
What text-acronyms do you think are over-used? Do you have an alternative?
