Attention! Class is now in session. As you are well aware, every generation tends to create its own language. What was “swell” in the 50’s became “groovy” in the 70’s which was “rad” in the 80’s and so on.

Youngsters. They complicate everything.

We’ll assume you’ve already picked up on the common “RT” and “OMG” level phrases, (feel free to ask in the comments below if you’re already lost) but here are some terms and phrases that pop up frequently on the Internet. They should serve you well in your social media efforts, especially when dealing with a troublesome character limit. And after all, when in Rome… LOL.

FAIL. To louse up something in a spectacular manner.
Example: “I locked my keys in the car. FAIL.”
Related: “Epic Fail” for fails that will go down in history. Also: “LFMF” Abbr. “Learn From My Fail” for those rare instances of ‘fessing up.

FML. Abbr. “Forget (ahem) My Life” used at the end of a tale of woe.
Example: “My professor gave a pop quiz today, and I missed every question. FML.”

FTW. Abbr. “For The Win,” used in situations of specific victory.
Example: “Roasted artichokes with dinner? Mom FTW!”
Related: “FTUW” meaning “For The Ultimate Win.” Use sparingly, there can only be so many ultimates.

IMHO. Abbr. “In My Humble Opinion” used to soften the blow of what might be a harsh comment.
Example: “Yes, that dress does make your butt look big. IMHO.”
Related: “IMO” Abbr. “In My Opinion” for those who are less humble.

IMMD. Abbr. “It Made My Day” used at the end of a sweet or funny story.
Example: “Someone snuck a chocolate bar into my purse! IMMD.”

IRL. Abbr. “In Real Life” used to distinguish the cyber from the non-cyber.
Example: “She’s so mean online, but a sweetheart IRL.”

Nom. A onomatopoeia for eating something, shortened from the original “nom nom nom.”
Example:”I was nomming a Pink Lady yesterday.”
Related: “noms,” meaning food. “I have to find some noms- so hungry!”

n00b. Slang for “Newbie,” or rookie. Lowercase letters and zeros for o’s are required with this word, or you will find it being applied to yourself.
Example: “John brought full pads to the tag football game. What an n00b.”

QFT. Abbr. “Quoted For Truth” often used at the beginning of a retweet.
Example: “QFT RT @thecoreblog Seth is the greatest!”

TL;DR. Abbr. “Too Long; Didn’t Read.” A somewhat snarky way to request a summation.
Example: “That Wall Street Journal Article? TL;DR”

w00t. Expression of moderate joy. Like “n00b” the lowercase and numerical digits are crucial.
Example: “I got a B+ on my test! w00t!”

Have you encountered any other phrases or ideas that make little or no sense to you? The professors’ office hours are midnight to midnight. Leave a comment, and we’ll translate ASAP.

Posted by: The Internet Addict (Melissa Miles) and Kelly Pritchett (DMA Solutions Intern)

Tags: Internet, Kelly Pritchett, Melissa Miles, Social Media, Trends, Twitter, web trends

Posted Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 6:11 am and is filed under All, Communication, Social Media.