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lol

Laughing Out Loud.

lɒlDocumented since 1990s1990sMillennialhistorical175 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🌐 Internet & Memes
6 definitions
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Etymology timeline

Born ~1990 · no dated citations yet
1990BornToday, 2026
Millennial / early-internet eraSee decade cohort →

Definitions

Global
#1·Apr 26, 2026Global

Laughing Out Loud. Used to mark text as humorous or to soften a message. Increasingly used ironically or as a verbal tic rather than to indicate actual laughter — younger users often deploy "lol" sarcastically while reserving 💀 or 😭 for genuine amusement.

"that's wild lol"
Origin: Documented in early 1990s IRC and Usenet; one of the oldest internet acronyms still in heavy use.
For parents

Lol means: Laughing Out Loud. Used to mark text as humorous or to soften a message. Increasingly used ironically or as a verbal tic rather than to indicate actual laughter - younger users often deploy "lol". There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

lol means: Laughing Out Loud. Used to mark text as humorous or to soften a message. Increasingly used ironically or as a verbal tic rather than to indicate actual laughter - younger users. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

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Global
#2·May 3, 2026Global

LOL (format), an international reality television format competition of comedians from each country based on a 2016 original Japanese series

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Global
#3·May 3, 2026Global

LOL (2012 film), an American remake of the 2008 French film starring Miley Cyrus and Demi Moore

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Global
#4·May 3, 2026Global

"LOL" (Californication), an episode of Californication

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Global
#5·May 3, 2026Global

LOL (2006 film), a film by Joe Swanberg

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Global
#6·May 3, 2026Global

LOL (Laughing Out Loud), a 2008 French comedy movie starring Christa Theret and Sophie Marceau

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For specific readers

Lol means: Laughing Out Loud. Used to mark text as humorous or to soften a message. Increasingly used ironically or as a verbal tic rather than to indicate actual laughter - younger users often deploy "lol". There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🌐About Internet & Memes slang

Viral internet speak — memes, ratios, main-character moments, and the algospeak of every platform from Twitter to Reddit to TikTok comment sections.

See all Internet & Memes slang on Slangora.

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