Vince Scordino Team : Web Development Tags : Online Trends
3Dec2009

Do you speak the internets? :-)

Vince Scordino Team : Web Development Tags : Online Trends

Right, so you’ve received an email containing a series of letters and symbols, and you’re embarrassed to admit you don’t understand? LOL It’s okay, because umm, YOU SHOULD BE! 

If you haven’t noticed already, the thing you’re using is called the ‘Internet’. It was developed to help us communicate a lot faster and easier. Over time, a funny web language as emerged using symbols and acronyms to express larger phrases and feelings.

Chat Acronyms

Often used in e-mail and chat, these abbreviations are commonly used chat phrases that can save considerable time. However, be careful as it’s very easy to lose people if you overuse them (note to all the cybernerds out here)

  • ASAP - As Soon As Possible
  • BRB - Be Right Back
  • BTW - By The Way
  • DIY - Do It Yourself
  • FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
  • FYI - For Your Information
  • GTG - Got To Go
  • K - Okay
  • KTHXBAI - Ok Thanks Bye
  • LMHO - Laughing My Head Off
  • LOL - Laughing Out Loud
  • OMG - Oh My God
  • OTL - Out To Lunch
  • OTFL - On The Floor Laughing
  • THX - Thanks
  • TTFN - Ta Ta For Now

Emoticons

Have you ever seen a facial expression created using punctuation symbols? These so-called ‘emoticons’ are used quickly to express an emotion without words or to clarify the tone of a text message. Take this quote for example as if it were coming from your boss:

Please come see me asap

Sends shivers down your spine? Although it shouldn’t, this type of message can instill the equivalent feeling of being called to the principal’s office. Now try this:

Please come see me asap :-)

What a world of difference! A simple little colon and bracket (otherwise known as the classic smiley face) can turn a nauseous message into a much less ominous request. Here are some commonly used emoticons:

 

  • :) Smiley face
  • ;) The wink
  • :-D   Laughing - slightly happier smiley
  • 8)  Glasses or sunglasses - the cool smiley
  • :p  Tongue hanging out 
  • :( The Frown - the sad smiley
  • >: Angry face
  • :O  Embarrassed or shocked
  • 0:-)  Angel with halo
  • >:-) Evil grin

 

So there you have it. Remember to use your emoticons and chat acronyms in moderation. They can be great in the world of chat rooms and amongst friends, however can be very annoying and unprofessional in business.

KTHXBAI :)