BWL Meaning, Origin and Examples

The acronym “BWL” is used online and in text conversations as a replacement for a more popular term that everyone is familiar with. However, it is still not as widely used as a typical response. Below you will unearth the meaning of this term, information about its origin, and some different meanings. You will also read through some example conversations to help you better understand the meaning. Finally, you will see some synonyms that can also be used in place of this term.

BWL Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “BWL” stands for “Bursting with Laughter.” It is an internet slang term used in digital communication, such as texting and social media, to indicate that someone is laughing so hard that they are figuratively bursting. It conveys a stronger reaction than just “LOL” or “LMAO.”
What Does BWL Mean?
What Does BWL Mean? – Created by 7ESL

What Does BWL Mean?

BWL is an acronym that stands for “Bursting With Laughter.” It is a slang term used in text messages, online chat, and social media to convey extreme amusement. Similar to the well-known abbreviation, LOL (Laughing Out Loud) or LMAO (laughing my ass off), BWL represents a higher level of amusement, implying that the laughter is so strong that it feels as though one might burst with laughter.

This term is often used when reacting to a particularly funny joke, video, or situation. For example, when someone shares a hilarious video of a baby tasting a lemon for the first time and making entertaining facial expressions, one might respond with “OMG! I am BWL!” to indicate their intense laughter.

While both LOL and BWL are used to express laughter, their usage often depends on the intensity of the reaction. Those who choose to use BWL may want to emphasize the strength of their laughter or emphasize that something was extremely funny compared to a simple LOL response.

Origin of BWL

BWL, an acronym for “bursting with laughter,” has its roots in the rise of internet and text messaging slang. As communication through text messages and online chats became increasingly popular, there was a need to convey emotions and reactions quickly and concisely. This led to the development of various shorthand expressions, including the use of acronyms for common phrases.

The concept of using acronyms as slang terms, like BWL, can be traced back to the early days of the internet, particularly within discussion forums and chat rooms. These platforms provided an ideal environment for the emergence and popularization of slang acronyms, as users sought efficient ways to communicate and respond to each other.

BWL serves a similar purpose to other popular acronyms such as LOL (laughing out loud) and LMAO (laughing my ass off). These expressions allow individuals to easily express amusement, without typing out the entire phrase. The adoption of BWL and other acronyms has spread beyond these initial online communication platforms and is now commonly used in various forms of digital communication, including text messaging and social media.

It is important to note that the specific origin of BWL, like many other slang terms, is not clearly documented. However, it is evident that the adoption and usage of such acronyms have become an integral part of modern text-based communication. While some might argue that the use of acronyms like BWL contributes to the erosion of language and writing standards, others view them as an innovative way to express emotions and thoughts in a fast-paced digital world.

Usage of BWL

Texting and Instant Messaging

  • To show that something is extremely funny and you’re laughing very hard. Example: “Your meme just made me BWL .”
  • As a response to a joke or funny comment from a friend. Example: “Haha, stop it, I’m BWL over here! 🤣.”

Social Media Posts and Comments

  • Used in comments to react to a humorous post or video. Example: “This clip has me BWL! 😆🔥.”
  • In posts where someone shares a funny story or experience. Example: “That moment when your cat tries to catch its own tail—BWL! 🐱😂.”

Group Chats and Online Communities

  • To express shared laughter when participating in funny conversations or discussions. Example: “Did anyone else see that? I’m BWL right now! 😂.”
  • In gaming or streaming chats to react to funny moments or banter. Example: “The way you missed that jump—BWL! 🎮🤣.”

Captions and Stories

  • In captions for funny photos or videos. Example: “When you realize it’s Monday again… BWL. 🤦‍♂️😂.”
  • In stories or reels to emphasize the comedic nature of the content. Example: “My dog’s reaction to his new toy—BWL. 🐕🤣.”

Replies to Friends and Family

  • Used in casual conversations with friends or family to indicate a strong laughing reaction. Example: “I can’t believe you said that, I’m BWL! 😂.”
  • When replying to a funny text or voice message. Example: “You’re hilarious! BWL!”

Other Meanings

In a similar fashion of nearly every other acronym, this one can stand for many more phrases as well. Some other things that this term can represent are “Body Weight Loss,” “Broadband Wireless Loop,” “Biological Warfare Laboratory,” “Beer Wine and Liquor,” and “Broadband and Wireless.” There are others also but simply too many to enter them all here.

Related Terms to BWL

LOL is perhaps the most well-known abbreviation among these terms, as it is used extensively across various online platforms and in text messaging. It stands for “Laughing Out Loud” and is employed to communicate that something is funny, though it might not necessarily evoke actual laughter from the person using it. It is often the go-to acronym for reacting to humorous content.

LMAO is another widely used slang term, which stands for “Laughing My Ass Off.” This expression suggests that the user finds something even funnier than a typical LOL response would imply. It can be seen as a step up in terms of the intensity of amusement when compared to LOL.

Along with the aforementioned terms, there are several other abbreviations employed to convey amusement:

  • ROFL: Rolling On the Floor Laughing
  • PMSL: Peeing Myself Laughing
  • LMBO: Laughing My Butt Off

Each of these slang terms serves a similar purpose in expressing varying levels of amusement or laughter to online conversations and text messages. They allow users to easily and effectively communicate their reactions to humorous content in a concise manner.

Other Ways to Say “BWL”

There are a few synonyms that you could use in place of this acronym and the phrase that it represents. Some other expressions you could use include LOL, LMAO, ROFLMAO, etc.

“BWL” synonyms list:

  • I burst out laughing.
  • ROFL (Rolling on the floor laughing).
  • It made me laugh.
  • It was amusing.
  • It was comical.
  • It was humorous.
  • It was priceless.
  • LMBO (laughing my butt off).
  • I couldn’t stop laughing.
  • LML (laughing mad aloud).
  • It cracks me up.
  • LMAO (Laughing my ass off).
  • LMFAO (A more obscene form of LMAO).
  • It had me dying of laughter.
  • It was side-splitting.
  • It’s funny how.
  • It’s hilarious.

BWL Examples

In Texting and Social Posts

In Texting

BWL, standing for “bursting with laughter,” is commonly used in texting and instant messaging platforms. It adds a sense of joy and amusement to conversations, and often follows a funny joke or situation. Here are a few examples of how BWL can be used in texting:

  • Texter 1: “I just accidentally walked into the wrong classroom and sat there for 5 minutes before realizing.”
  • Texter 2: “Haha, that’s hilarious! BWL.”
  • Texter 1: “Guess what? I tried making dinner and accidentally used salt instead of sugar in the dessert.”
  • Texter 2: “Oh no! BWL, that must’ve been quite a surprise.”

Social Post

On social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, BWL can also be used in response to funny posts, pictures, or videos shared by friends. Users may comment “BWL” to show appreciation for humor and join in the laughter. Here are a couple of examples:

  1. Facebook Post: “Just encountered the world’s clumsiest squirrel – it fell out of the tree and landed in my coffee cup! ????” Comment: “@user, this made my day! BWL!”
  2. Instagram PhotoPicture of a dog dressed up in a funny costume Caption: “I can’t believe my dog actually let me put this outfit on him! ????” Comment: “Your dog is a real sport! BWL!”

Conversation Examples

A discussion via text message between two friends.

  • Friend 1: OMG! I am BWL!
  • Friend 2: Why!?
  • Friend 1: I was watching America’s Funniest Home Videos and there was a baby tasting a lemon for the first time. The Faces he made were hilarious!
  • Friend 2: LOL!

An online conversation between two Facebook users.

  • User 1: What does BWL mean? I saw it as a response to someone yesterday and it’s a new one I have never seen before.
  • User 2: It’s just another way of saying LOL It means something is funny and it stands for bursting with laughter.
  • User 1: Oh, okay! I was like why would someone say bowl in response to what was going on. I was so confused LOL!