{"id":9162,"date":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=9162"},"modified":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T21:55:44","slug":"rofl-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/rofl-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"ROFL \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cThat play we went to see had me ROFL\u2019ing all night\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cROFL, you can\u2019t have really expected her to say yes to a date while you are covered in piss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBruce Bruce always has the best shows, I am sitting here right now ROFL at his antics\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for that comic, it had me ROFL for a good few minutes\u201d.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n