lolz
Low-MediumInformal, slang, internet/online
Definition
Meaning
A humorous or fun situation, event, or activity; something done for amusement or entertainment.
Used to indicate something is funny, amusing, or ridiculous in an entertaining way. Can also describe internet culture, memes, or social media interactions designed for humour.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An extended, pluralized, often ironic or self-aware variation of 'lol' (laughing out loud). Often carries a slightly detached, meta-humorous, or performative connotation compared to 'lol'. Frequently used in internet forums, chat, and social media captions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. It is an internet-born term used similarly in both dialects.
Connotations
In both regions, it often implies participation in or sharing of a specific type of internet-based, meme-influenced humour. May be seen as slightly dated or niche.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, primarily confined to specific online communities and younger demographics familiar with early 2000s internet slang.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] for the lolzIt was pure [noun] lolzThe [noun] provided endless lolzVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “for the lolz (doing something purely for humorous effect, often provocative or silly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly inappropriate. Would be considered unprofessional.
Academic
Completely inappropriate in formal writing. May appear in informal discussions of digital culture.
Everyday
Very limited to informal, joking conversations, primarily among friends familiar with internet slang.
Technical
Only relevant in discussions of internet linguistics, memetics, or digital communication.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We were just lolzing at some old memes.
American English
- They spent the afternoon lolzing at viral videos.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat video was for the lolz.
- We had good lolz at the party.
- He posted that embarrassing photo just for the lolz.
- The comments section provided endless lolz.
- The entire internet meme cycle is often driven purely by the pursuit of lolz.
- Their Twitter feud was brutal, but it generated maximum lolz for onlookers.
- Anthropologists of digital culture might analyse 'doing it for the lolz' as a form of postmodern, decontextualised play.
- The ironic detachment of 'lolz' can sometimes mask a genuine desire for community engagement.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'lol' (laugh out loud) with a 'z' added to make it plural and sound more playful or excessive, like 'buzz' or 'fizz'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMOUR IS A COMMODITY (e.g., 'generate lolz', 'good for lolz').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'смех' or 'веселье' without conveying the specific internet-culture context.
- Avoid using in formal translation; it is niche slang.
- The phrase 'for the lolz' is an idiom meaning 'ради прикола' or 'просто чтобы позабавиться'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it outside of its original online context.
- Misspelling as 'lols'.
- Assuming it is universally understood.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'lolz' be MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is informal slang, not part of standard formal English. It is recorded in dictionaries of neologisms and internet slang.
'Lol' is an initialism for 'laughing out loud' used as a reaction. 'Lolz' (plural noun) refers more broadly to the concept of fun, amusement, or the activity of seeking humour, often with a self-aware or ironic tone.
No, it is considered inappropriate for formal academic writing unless you are directly quoting or analysing the term itself within a study of language or digital culture.
Its peak usage was in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It is still understood in many online communities but may sound dated to some. Newer slang like 'lmao' or specific emoji are often preferred.