KEK Meaning: What Does “Kek” Mean?

Last updated on June 3, 2024 by Isabella Claire

What does “kek” mean? Learn the definition, how, and when to use this internet slang term with useful conversation examples in English.

Key Takeaways

  • “Kek” is an internet slang term similar in meaning to LOL, originating from the game World of Warcraft
  • The term has since expanded into various aspects of internet culture, including memes and controversial movements
  • Despite its varied associations, “kek” is primarily used to convey humor and amusement in online interactions

“Kek” Meaning

What Does “Kek” Mean?

‘Kek’ is an online slang term that carries a similar meaning to ‘LOL‘ or ‘laugh out loud.’ It is most commonly used in the world of online gaming, particularly in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft (WoW). Here, the term originated from the game’s faction-specific languages and has since spread across the internet due to the game’s immense popularity.

In World of Warcraft, factions speak different languages, with the Alliance speaking Common and the Horde speaking Orcish. When a Horde player types ‘LOL,’ an Alliance player sees it as ‘kek.’ This is because of the language barrier within the game, and it has become a widely recognized term among gamers.

While ‘kek’ can be used interchangeably with ‘LOL,’ it also has other meanings outside the gaming universe. For example, it can refer to a Korean laugh or even the Egyptian god Kek, which may be associated with the so-called “alt-right” and is portrayed as Pepe the Frog. However, the primary use and meaning of ‘kek’ still remain synonymous with the acronym ‘LOL.’

In summary, ‘kek’ is a widely used slang term, similar in meaning to ‘LOL,’ and often found within gaming communities, specifically World of Warcraft. The term’s origins can be traced back to the game’s unique faction languages. Although it may carry other meanings, its primary use is to reflect laughter or amusement in online conversations.

Keks also are described as the part of the American people that are far-right and believe the land has been invaded by “normies” and “cuckies.” The slang term “Kekistan” is the country where “Keks” come from.

What’s the Origin of ‘Kek’?

The origin of this internet slang expression can be found in Blizzard’s famous massively multiplayer role-playing game World of Warcraft. This game is often referred to as “WoW.”

In this game, there are two factions. The players form each faction cannot communicate with each other. If one player’s character says “LOL” to the player of another faction, the other player reads it as “KEK.”

This comes from another Blizzard game, StarCraft. Many Korean players played this game. While an English player may say “haha” or “hehe” when they laugh, the sound in Korean is “keke.” “Kek” is said to have come from this sound.

This phrase is more likely to be used to someone who played World of Warcraft or someone familiar with games. It’s probably not as well known as “LOL” and will probably be used by younger people.

Related Terms to Kek

In the ever-evolving world of internet slang and gaming terminology, several terms and expressions represent laughter or amusement. While “kek” is often utilized by gamers, and originated in World of Warcraft, other terms are also popularly used across various platforms, communities, and languages.

Haha, hahaha, hehe, and keke are considered universal expressions of laughter commonly found in informal online communication. They are often written in a freeform fashion and can be repeated for a more expressive effect. These terms imitate the sound of giggling and laughter and are used across numerous cultures and languages.

LEL (short for “laugh extremely loud”) is another laughter-based slang derived from the term LOL. It is sometimes used to convey sarcasm or irony and can be found on platforms such as Twitter and forums.

ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing), is a more dramatic expression of laughter, used to indicate that a comment or situation is highly amusing. ROFL is an acronym similar to LOL, and it often appears in chats and internet forums.

In the context of live streaming, Twitch chat frequently uses terms like “KEKW” and “OmegaLUL,” which are Twitch-specific emotes depicting laughter or amusement. These emotes are derived from the original “LOL” and “ROFL” terms, adapted to suit the platform’s unique culture and community.

Similar Internet Acronyms

Similar words to “kek” and “lol” are “lmao,” “roflmao,” “haha,” and “hehe.” “LMAO” means “laughing my ass off.” This means the person is laughing pretty hard. “ROFLMAO” means “rolling on the floor laughing my ass off.” This is a bit stronger as it shows the person is laughing so hard that they are physically unable to sit or stand. “Haha” and “hehe” don’t stand for anything and are rather the sounds people make in English when they laugh at something.

Although there aren’t many other meanings for “kek,” some say it can refer to the Turkish snack “topkek.” It’s a packaged, muffin-like sweet.

Kek Examples

Examples of Kek in Texting and Social Posts

In texting and social media posts, kek often appears as a response to something humorous or ridiculous. It is an internet slang term synonymous with “laughing out loud” and is particularly popular among gamers. Here are a few examples of how kek is used in various contexts:

  • In a gaming chat, one player might share a funny incident that happened during the game, and the other players might respond with “kek” to indicate amusement.
  • On social media platforms like Twitter, users might include “kek” in their posts along with a humorous meme or joke.
  • In online discussion forums like 4chan, users might type “kek” as a reply to a funny or outrageous post made by another user.

The origin of kek can be traced back to the online multiplayer game World of Warcraft (WoW). It emerged as an in-game translation for the acronym “LOL” when one faction of players (Horde) read the text written by members of another faction (Alliance). Kek is also associated with the unrelated Turkish snack food Topkek, which has been a subject of discussion on 4chan’s /s4s/ (Shit 4chan Says) board.

Kek and its meaning have evolved since it initially gained popularity in gaming circles, and it is now used more broadly across many internet platforms and social media contexts. Synonyms for kek include “haha,” “LOL,” and “ROFL” (rolling on the floor laughing), among others.

Conversation Examples

Here are some examples:

Example 1:

  • WoW Player 1: Ok, so I’ve got my spells ready. Everybody attack once I draw aggro. Here we go!
  • WoW Player 2: I’ll keep you healed.
  • WoW Player 3: Hey, it’s already over!
  • WoW Player 1: I thought that was going to be a lot harder, kek!

This example shows 3 players playing World of Warcraft. They are about to engage in battle with what looks to be a powerful enemy. Although they strategize, the battle is won quickly. WoW Player 1 was surprised by the swift victory and uses “kek” at the end of his sentence to show laughter because he is amused.

Example 2:

  • Texter 1: What are you up to right now?
  • Texter 2: The first week of school is coming up, I’m checking my schedule.
  • Texter 1: Did you get all of the classes you wanted?
  • Texter 2: Yeah, but the bowling class I wanted to take is only available on Friday morning. I’m screwed!
  • Texter 1: KEK! That’s what you get for taking bowling?
  • Texter 2: Kek? What does that even mean?
  • Texter 1: It means lol, get with the times man!

Here we see two students talking about their daily lives. Texter 2 is getting ready to head back to school for a new semester. He’s taking a bowling class but the only time it’s available is on Friday morning. Texter 1 uses “kek” to show that he finds the situation funny. Texter 2 doesn’t understand the meaning so Texter 1 informs him about what it means.

“Kek” Meaning Infographic

Kek

Frequently Asked Questions

What does KEK mean in gaming?

KEK is an online term used in gaming communities with a similar meaning to LOL or haha. It is often used by gamers to express amusement or laughter at something humorous happening in-game.

Is KEK related to the WoW gaming community?

Yes, KEK is related to the World of Warcraft (WoW) gaming community. In WoW, when players from opposing factions communicate through the in-game chat function, their messages appear encoded. When one team types “LOL,” it appears as “KEK” to the opposing team. This feature led to the widespread use of KEK within the WoW community and later in other gaming circles.

How is KEK used in online chats?

KEK is used in online chats as a way to express laughter or amusement, similar to how one would use LOL or haha. It can be used in response to a joke, funny event, or as an expression of sarcastic humor.

What’s the connection between KEK and LOL?

The connection between KEK and LOL lies in their meanings and usage. Both terms are used to express laughter or amusement in online conversations. The main difference is that KEK was born out of the encoded chat feature in the World of Warcraft game.

Are KEK and KEKW similar in meaning?

Yes, KEK and KEKW are similar in meaning. KEKW is an extension of KEK, which includes the Spanish word “Wey” (dude, buddy) and an image of a popular Spanish comedian, Juan Joya Borja. Just like KEK, KEKW is used to express laughter or amusement in online chats and gaming communities, particularly on platforms like Twitch.

Is KEK used as a meme on the internet?

KEK has become popular on the internet as a meme, often associated with Pepe the Frog and the so-called “alt-right” movement. Originally, KEK was unrelated to any political stance or symbol. However, its usage evolved over time, and now some internet communities link it to political discussions and memes.

Latest posts by Isabella Claire (see all)