I’ve got to get something off my chest…

If you read Intersections regularly, then you know I have not posted in a while.  The reason is simple: I felt like I didn’t have anything to really say…and I have been very busy.

But, something has happened that I must post about. Something has gone wrong, gotten so out of hand, that I feel the need to take a stand, even if I must stand alone.

What could be such a big deal, you ask? Let me tell you. The problem is composed of three simple letters: “lol.”  As in “laugh out loud.”

In our world of text messages, twitter, and other social networking media, we have developed a kind of short hand to save time and keep us from getting carpal tunnel syndrome.  I am all for it.

What I am not all for, is what I have seen happening, specifically with the use of “lol,” which seems to be a fan favorite.

LOL is being used and abused and someone must stand up and be a champion for this over-used acronym.

People are using “lol” in the following contexts [these are just examples]:

“Sitting in my room, lol.”

“Going to the movies, lol.”

“Just had a root canal, lol.”

“Watching paint dry, lol.”

When I read “lol” in this context I always wonder, are you really laughing out loud? Is it so funny that you burst forth with hilarious laughter?

I do not intend to be a critic only. I want to offer the world a solution to this travesty of acronymal justice.

May I introduce you to: “limim.”  LIMIM proudly stands for “laughing in my inner monologue.” It may have been humorous, but not hilarious enough to force an actual “lol” experience…so, I am simply laughing to myself…in my head.

Citizens of earth, my brothers and sisters of the human race…please join me in limim-ing. Use it freely. Embrace it. Cherish it. It is good.

I hope after reading this no one who frequently uses “lol” will be offended. It is meant only in jest. But seriously, feel free to “limim.” It’s liberating.

What text-acronyms do you think are over-used? Do you have an alternative?