When I first joined Facebook, I thought I was hip. (I had totally missed out on MySpace and was determined not to miss out on Facebook) I had my profile picture (after many tries of hiding my 4 chins and of not looking too awfully confused), my list of favorite movies, and I knew how to post a photo (even if it was sometimes sideways). Then I saw someone comment “LOL” on a post about a cat. I thought, “How sweet. (LOL) Lots of Love!”

So naturally, when my friend announced she’d had surgery, I wrote, “So sorry to hear you had to have surgery. LOL!”

That’s when I learned: LOL actually means “Laugh Out Loud.” (Although, to be fair, both interpretations can make you cry.)

Here are a few other internet acronyms that can help you avoid accidental comedy or accidental un-friending or both:

1. BRB – Be Right Back

Not a code for “Bathroom Run Break,” although that would also make sense for most of us.

2. OMG – Oh My Gosh

Not “Outta My Groove” which would also be great for many of us. Or maybe “On My Gurney” or “Oh My Groceries)

3. ROFL – Rolling On the Floor Laughing

At our age, that sounds dangerous and, in my case, very time-consuming. Maybe let’s keep it to SGWS, “slightly giggling while seated.”

4. DM – Direct Message or PM – Private Message. Yet DM would be great for for “Dance Move” and not “Doctor’s Memo.” You can’t send your test results on Instagram, no matter how many emojis you use, but it would be a great project and fun to try to figure out. Or maybe it could mean “Dessert Mandatory).

5. IDK – I Don’t Know

Not “I Do Knitting,” though frankly, that would be a much more positive message.

6. TBH – To Be Honest

Usually followed by something mildly insulting but meant kindly, like, “TBH, you look great for your age.” Why not just say, “you look great”. I mean we are already aware of our age.

7. FWIW – For What It’s Worth

Which, depending on the comment, could mean “I’m trying to help” or “I’m about to give an opinion nobody asked for.”

Tech Tips for Seniors Navigating Online Slang

1. When in doubt, Google it.

Typing “What does LOL mean?” won’t break the internet. You’ll be surprised how many people are asking the same thing (including teenagers pretending they already know).

2. Ask your grandkids—if you dare.

They’ll act like it’s the funniest question they’ve ever heard, but deep down, they’ll be impressed you’re even trying.

3. Keep a little “cheat sheet.”

You can make a list of common acronyms right next to your passwords; though please, for the love of the internet, not in the same notebook.

4. Don’t take it too seriously.

Half the time, younger people don’t even use these terms correctly. If you mess up, just own it. Type, “My bad. LOL!” (and this time, mean laugh out loud).

The digital world may be full of strange codes, but you’re perfectly capable of learning them. After all, we once learned how to program the VCR and set a digital clock and that was without YouTube tutorials.

So go forth and post confidently!

Just… maybe skip “LOL” in sympathy posts. 

Keep laughing, keep learning, keep connected and if all else fails, blame “auto-correct”.

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