What's with the use of 'lol'? Yes, I know that it means 'lots of laughs' or 'laughing out loud'. I'm talking about its overuse.
I've seen dozens of cases where there was nothing amusing in either the question or answer. Yet there it was, 'lol'.
Can anybody explain why?
And before you say that I don't have a sense of humor, I know what is funny and what isn't. In a previous life I was the court jester @ Camelot for King Arthur.
2006-10-24 11:32:04 · 10 answers · asked by Da Judge 3 in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
GD. Trite, obvious and NOT FUNNY. A perfect example of why I asked the question. Thanks.
2006-10-24 11:42:11 · update #1
SE. On the right track. But I need why that they are dorky enough to abuse "lol".
2006-10-24 11:43:50 · update #2
diff's on the right track. OK people. Let's get some more.
2006-10-24 11:46:49 · update #3
WAZ: I don't think it has anything to do with attention span. I'm asking about their sense of humor or lack thereof.
2006-10-24 14:12:43 · update #4
sarc: The poor spelling may be another symptom of the cause, but I don’t think it addresses the REAL problem.
2006-10-24 14:16:42 · update #5
(nameless): Hyenas can laugh, too. It makes about as much sense.
2006-10-24 14:18:23 · update #6
Tag: Another genius heard from.
2006-10-24 21:40:19 · update #7
JK: Really? Interesting theory. However, it seems to me that this would be a strange metamessage.
2006-10-24 21:46:23 · update #8
Peas. Thanks for your 'contribution'. Another great example of lol misuse.
2006-10-26 05:50:02 · update #9
Your Highness: Bah!! Humbug!! Indeed. (He never said the two together.) The early "Eb" is one of my favorite characters. I'm not thrilled that the was turned 'soft' by a bad dream (mustard will do that to you). But I think that these users really think that they are really funny.
2006-10-26 05:54:54 · update #10
BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A FLY!
LOL
2006-10-24 12:58:33 · answer #1 · answered by Medicine Eddie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is somewhat difficult to express yourself with words on the computer and there are times that you want to make sure that people know you are joking or not serious about a comment that has been made, it is an easy way for me to say hey dont take this seriously I am just having a bit of fun..well that is why I do it it on anything that may be taken the wrong way ... Everyone has a sense of humour just some are more outrageous than others.. take care
2006-10-24 11:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by different_tastes 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a social convention of the Internet that attempts to acknowledge what the person is saying and socially connect, even if there is no humor involved. The convention is used just as a social acknowledgement, even if the "lol" attempt to acknowledge is a poor attempt. Why do people ask "How's the weather where you are?" on the phone? They really don't care about the weather where you are - it's a flimsy social convention that attempts to connect people together. "Lol" has become just like that - just like saying "that's cool" or "sweet!" even if someone isn't amazed by what's said. It's a habitual social acknowledgement.
2006-10-24 20:19:43 · answer #3 · answered by KatGuy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember you laugh everytime I' was with poor Art's wife. LOL...sincerely, Lancelot :)
2006-10-24 20:19:30 · answer #4 · answered by tagaCEBU 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't account for humor. And besides, who cares what people are laughing about, at least they are laughing!
2006-10-24 14:02:13 · answer #5 · answered by dollface 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wondered that myself LOL and why do they hav 2 spell everything wrong
LMFAO
2006-10-24 13:45:04 · answer #6 · answered by sarcastro1976 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh yeah. I remember you. I was King Arthur. LOL.
2006-10-24 11:37:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
probably because you cant see a smile on the net and they want to show their emotions to everyone out there? i understand what you are saying and just to tell you not everyone is doing it! bahumbag!
2006-10-26 04:02:35 · answer #8 · answered by QUEEN K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL ! I've got your Holy Grail hangin' right here!!
2006-10-25 17:25:42 · answer #9 · answered by whrldpz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is lame. All internet talk is. Shows what dorks people are.
2006-10-24 11:40:19 · answer #10 · answered by Sarah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋