LOL, OMG and WTF added to the Dictionary – Poll: What else would you add?

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Great news that LOL, OMG and WTF are now in the Oxford English Dictionary

It’s keeping in pace with the times, and these great words let us express what needs to be expressed in this era. Here’s the definition of LOL:

“[LOL int. and n./2]: ‘laughing out loud’–are strongly associated with the language of electronic communications (email, texting, social networks, blogs, and so on)”

The editor goes on to say that the use of these phrases in real life is what pushed them into the dictionary’s new line-up:

“OMG and LOL are found outside of electronic contexts, however; in print, and even in spoken use, where there often seems to be a bit more than simple abbreviation going on. The intention is usually to signal an informal, gossipy mode of expression, and perhaps parody the level of unreflective enthusiasm or overstatement that can sometimes appear in online discourse, while at the same time marking oneself as an ‘insider’ au fait with the forms of expression associated with the latest technology.”

“Muffin top” and the verb “to heart” something – for example “I heart my blog” – have also made it in to the new edition.

The Oxford English dictionary has been quick to pick up internet slang – TMI, IMHO and BFF are already in there. However they have left out a bunch of our favourite internet acronyms out.

Which of these five do you think they should add? – click as many as you want…


Anna Leach

2 comments

  • I always thought (until now that is) LOL meant “lots of laughs”. What about OMFG, DD, DS & DH? Parenting forums are full of the last 3.

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