Has one of your friends sent you a funny text that just tickles your funny bone? Maybe you saw a meme online that has you in stitches? If so, there are a few ways you can react, ROFL being one of them. Not sure what ROFL means or how to use it? We can help. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
ROFL is shorthand for rolling on the floor laughing. It is an abbreviation that is often used online when humorous content is posted. It can also be used in messages or in casual emails with friends. It should not be confused with LOL, which is laughing out loud. The phrase ROFL is a higher form of LOL, which implies an even stronger response.
Leetspeak, or netspeak is an easy way for people to communicate their feelings and emotions over the internet. They are also effective in expressing emotion via SMS. In person, you can watch someone laugh and see their reaction to your antics, but ROFL is the only way to gauge reactions remotely.
Example Usage
“That play we went to see had me ROFL’ing all night”.
“ROFL, you can’t have really expected her to say yes to a date while you are covered in piss!”
“Bruce Bruce always has the best shows, I am sitting here right now ROFL at his antics”.
“Thanks for that comic, it had me ROFL for a good few minutes”.
Origin
Leetspeak, chatspeak, and netspeak have been around as long as the internet and messenger services have existed. The phrase came into being around the same time as LOL, and is generally viewed as a further iteration of the term. The first sightings of ROFL were found on UseNet and TelNet, both of which are no longer operational. These early internet websites were launched in 1979, though the telnet protocol was actually created in 1971.
Web lingo is a big part of the conversation culture online. Though some phrases like lol and rofl remain constant, some change according to trends. They are often used as a way to help different cultures connect. They are also interesting tools that help users emote from behind a screen.
Phrases Similar to ROFL
- LMAO – laughing my ass off
- ROFLMAO – rolling on the floor laughing my ass off
- LOL- laughing out loud
- Chuckles
- In stitches
- PMSL - p*ssing myself laughing
- LULZ
Phrases Opposite to ROFL
- Dumbfounded
- Fell flat
- Lame
- Unfunny
- Corny
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say ROFL is – rolling on the floor laughing.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say ROFL
It is pretty hard to use the phrase incorrectly being that it just means you are laughing extra hard. However, using it out of context or laughing at a situation that is not funny are some common mistakes. Some ways that ROFL is used incorrectly are:
- You are such a dork, I am ROFL at how proficient you are at math problems.
- I ROFL’d when she told me there was a car accident and her dog was lucky to not be hurt.
- If you really didn’t enjoy the show, you should just ROFL and leave a bad review.
- Nothing is wrong with using ROFL when you are in a business meeting right?
Acceptable Ways to Phrase ROFL
In just about every situation in which you would normally laugh you can use the phrase ROFL. The main difference between LOL and ROFL is that one implies a higher level of humor response. Some ways that ROFL is used correctly are:
- I watched that Ryan Davis show in LA last night, I was ROFL for hours.
- Did you see what happened in the group chat yesterday? I was ROFL at the fight.
- ROFL, do you really think that your little slaps have any effect?
- The new Tyler Perry movie will have you ROFL thanks to Medea's antics.