What is Internet Slang?

Internet slang includes expressions relative to networking technologies and computers in general. Though slang typically refers to words specific to a group, club, sport, hobby, or even a generation, in the broadest sense Internet slang also includes emoticons, or simple graphics typed with keyboard strokes. The most common of these is the “smile” produced by a colon representing eyes and a right-parenthesis representing a smile, read sideways. Acronyms are also part of the Internet lexicon.

Many Internet slang expressions combine networking terms with real-world terms to refer to particular types of Internet users. A few examples follow:

An alternate to emoticons are Internet-related acronyms. In this case shorthand becomes a kind of Internet slang. Laughing out loud becomes LOL, as far as I’m concerned becomes AFAIC, and if you know what I mean is shortened to IYKWIM. There are literally hundreds of these acronyms.

Terms like “nerd” and “geek” can also be considered Internet slang, though they specifically emphasize a knowledge of computers. “Newbie” is slang for someone unfamiliar with whatever he or she is undertaking, whether it be entering a new gaming community or building a computer for the first time. The newbie might be highly proficient in areas outside the newly undertaken cause, or uniformly green.

Other types of Internet slang borrow offensive words from the real-world and apply them to the online community. A “troll” for example, is someone who disregards netiquette in a newsgroup, forum or chat room by attempting to start arguments or flame wars — more Internet slang for heated arguments that spiral out of control into personal attacks.

In some online communities or mailing lists Internet slang develops that is specific to the group or subject matter. As per netiquette, a list of these acronyms and their meaning should be available in the group’s frequently asked questions (FAQ).

As networking and its technologies grow, Internet slang will continue to evolve. Many websites archive general lists for netizens to refer to, available through any search engine.