It has become apparent in recent years that people really do enjoy a good lol. We use it when smsing, emailing and chatting. Some even use it in real life (RL). For most people lol stands for 'laugh out loud' or something to that effect.
The fallacy
Uninterestingly enough, when most people use lol they do not, in fact, laugh out loud as one might be led to believe. This renders the users utter liars, a trait which according to the Oxford Scaffolding Society (OXSS) is becoming more common by the day due to a combination of sex, drugs and arousingly cute baby fish.
Despite this, the word lol has been given a heavenly power, the power to completely change how something is perceived. Observe:
“I hate you” => “I hate you lol”
Quite different aren't they? The first text depicts a seemingly hostile response which comes off as rather offensive. The second text shows a light-hearted bit of backslapping comaraderie between two old friends.
And behold!
I think this is a wonderful example of how lol gives you the power to not lose friends. What I mean is, if you genuinely want to insult a friend without serious repercussions, as long as you follow it with a good solid lol, you will probably be able to maintain the friendship that much longer.
The rookie mistake
Please note this should not be taken to extremes, and is especially to be used with caution amongst the inexperienced lolers of the world.
Once again, observe:
Little Betty: “ I just ran over my cat :(”
You: “You idiot lol”
Invariably this doesn't go down well. Unless maybe Little Betty ran over the cat in a REALLY funny way...
The power of lol
So you see, 'lol' has the ability to give and to take. It is often likened to the handy plug adapter for this reason. Use correctly and your life will be that much easier, use incorrectly and the ramifications could be electrifying.
It has great power, and with great power comes the ability to screw up in fairly banal ways. But when used properly it's a godsend, ready to lighten up your day and make the world a better place :D
---------------------Don't be safe, be lolsafe---------------------
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