Does so called 'slang spelling' and text speak in written (non phone text) communication really annoy you?

Question

I find it difficult to read and extremely annoying. I appreciate that spelling and grammar are not everyone's strong point (mine included), but is this new 'lazy' method of writing, which some people seem to have adopted, just sheer idleness, or is it the new trend and I'm just hopelessly missing something?!

Answer 1

yes it does annoy me, we have a beautiful language let us use it as we were meant to

Answer 2

It really irritates me! It seems that a lot of people use it before they learn to spell properly - and then we wonder why our kids can't spell!
There was actually a news report a few weeks ago that brought a similar subject up. It questioned the use of Auto spell checking for students on a computer - and that they should learn to type the word properly rather than just assuming that the computer would not only check their spelling but automatically correct it.
A few weeks ago I had to ask what 'LOL' meant and I was a bit surprised that not everyone knew what it meant automatically any more than I did. And yet, a couple of weeks later, someone asked exactly the same question.
Spell Check is useful but it is important that we know that there is quite a difference between spoken and written English.
When I text, I text in long-hand with all the notations. My messages are never misunderstood - but everyone that I have spoken to about it (and they know my preferences) have all said that their messages are sometimes misunderstood. What is the point in sending a message if you are not sure that it will be understood in its entirety? Rather prooves the point, doesn't it - clarification may take another two or three messages - does that really make it quicker???

Answer 3

I don't think you're missing anything, but I do think some of those who use this kind of communication out of context, i.e. not on mobiles, are missing a few I.Q. points.
It is one thing to use a form of shorthand where it takes a relatively long time for one letter to be keyed and it is another to use it on a normal keyboard.
There is nothing clever in deliberately misspelling words ( I am being generous here in the use of deliberately), and it is almost shameful to type "there" when the writer wants to say "their" or even "they're". Personally I don't know whether it is laziness or ignorance.
I remember when the two Ronnies did a sketch using letters and numbers for words. In their (or is it there/they're) case it was witty. e.g. f u n e x? = Have you any eggs?
s, I f x n i f m
f u n e m n x?
s, I f m n x 4 u
I'll let you work out the rest of them.

Words are communication tools. If understanding becomes impossible because of the way these words are used, then we are using them erroneously. I only hope this trend doesn't continue its downward spiral into intelligibility.

Answer 4

I appreciate that text language is necessary if you wish to make use of all the characters you are allotted but if you are not texting I see no reason for such a mundane language. I find it difficult to read, confusing and have always used the correct Queen's English when speaking, writing and texting. I despise poor language and have always tried to speak correctly. My nine year old niece speaks colloquially and I have no idea what she is saying, I thought it was her being lazy but then I met her teacher and I was proved wrong; language skills are not as important as they once were, sadly.

Answer 5

I find it painful to read slang spelling, there is something in me that spots mistakes or bad spelling and I wince inwardly I know it sounds stupid but I can't help it. Language though is constantly evolving and I suspect that certain words and spellings will change as texting continues and a lot of the unnecessary letters in words will be dropped.

Answer 6

The current misuse of the English language on Internet sites do annoy me and I remind myself that it is laziness or ignorance on those doing it.

The posts on these boards reflect the amount of education and pride in one's persona. Some argue that they post as they do because of time constraints. If time is such an issue, an answer can wait until the question is repeated.

Missing two points isn't the end of the world.

Answer 7

My sixteen year old son types, writes, even kinda speaks in this slang and it is very annoying. BUT...when he had to write an essay for entrance to a selective schooling program, I found he had been writing that way for so long he was unable to properly write in english...I was appalled!!! He had to seek help from an english teacher to learn how to again write proper. Now...when he text messages me on my phone, if it is in slang, I refuse to answer him. When he types and speaks properly, I give him my full attention with a smile. Don't let our youth dumb down the english language, it has been around far longer than their 'fad slang'!

Answer 8

It really annoys me, its not as though there is a problem to get the spelling right, as the spell checker on here is very good. Even when texting people i use full words, my MIL uses text speak and it drives me mad, especially as she doesn't use the same shortened version every time. I think I must be getting old!!

Answer 9

I hate it. Once in a great while I will compose a text message and go to great pains to make sure it is actually a complete thought with real words - maybe even a comma and definitely a period. I almost never shorten my words and try to use good grammar and punctuation and most definitely full and complete sentences. It doesn't take any longer.

Answer 10

It is lazy and can be annoying. I suspect it will become part of everyday written English in the next 10 - 20 years.

Answer 11

It may be the "new trend" but I agree that it's highly annoying and difficult to read. I wish it would people would stop being so lazy and type normally.