LUL Meaning: What Does “LUL” Stand for?

In the world of online conversations, “LUL” has become a staple for expressing amusement or laughter, especially in gaming and streaming communities. Originally popularized as a Twitch emote featuring the laughing face of the late gaming commentator John “TotalBiscuit” Bain, “LUL” captures the lighthearted spirit of the internet, providing a quick and easy way to react to funny moments. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, meaning, and cultural impact of “LUL” in the digital age.

LUL Meaning and Origin

• “LUL” is an emote and internet slang term used to express laughter or amusement, often in response to something funny or entertaining, particularly in online communities and gaming platforms like Twitch.

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What Does LUL Mean?

“LUL” is an emote and internet slang term used to convey laughter or amusement, similar to saying “LOL” (Laugh Out Loud). It originated from an image of John “TotalBiscuit” Bain, a popular gaming personality, laughing, and became widely used on platforms like Twitch to react to something humorous, entertaining, or mildly amusing. The term “LUL” captures a sense of casual or lighthearted laughter, often used in online chats to quickly express that something made you laugh or smile.

Origin of LUL

LUL is a popular Twitch emote that is commonly used to express laughter, similar to the well-known abbreviation LOL (laughing out loud). The emote features a picture of video game reviewer John Bain, who is better known by his online handle, TotalBiscuit.

The story of LUL begins on June 23rd, 2013, when Flickr user itsjustatank posted a photograph of John “TotalBiscuit” Bain. This image captured Bain with a candid, slightly uncomfortable laugh, which quickly gained traction on the internet. Soon after, it became an iconic emote for Twitch users, symbolizing an uneasy, almost awkward, laugh.

LUL’s usage is somewhat distinct from that of LOL. While users typically deploy LOL to show genuine amusement at something, LUL tends to be reserved for situations that evoke feelings of unease or mild confusion. It is a perfect way for users to convey that uneasy, not-quite-right laugh in response to uncomfortable or awkward moments.

Who Says “LUL”?

The majority of people who use the acronym “LUL” (and such like it) are between the ages of 10 years old and 34 years old. A recent study showed that age continues to drop because children are being given access to electronics at such a young age. This abbreviation has also become very popular amongst Twitch users and videogames, who are usually between the ages of pre-teen to thirty years old.

Here are some terms related to “LUL”:

1. OMEGALUL – An exaggerated version of “LUL,” used to express intense or extreme laughter in response to something hilariously funny or ridiculous.
2. KEKW – An emote featuring the laughing face of Spanish comedian Juan Joya Borja, used to signify uncontrollable laughter or finding something extremely funny.
3. LOL – An abbreviation for “Laugh Out Loud,” widely used across the internet to indicate amusement or laughter.
4. ROFL (Rolling On the Floor Laughing) – A term used to express an even stronger reaction to something hilarious, suggesting that it’s so funny you could metaphorically roll on the floor.
5. LMAO (Laughing My Ass Off) – A slang phrase used to indicate something very funny or amusing, often used similarly to “LUL.”
6. PogChamp – An emote used to express excitement or amazement, often used in tandem with “LUL” during moments that are both surprising and funny.
7. FeelsGoodMan – An emote used to express contentment, joy, or satisfaction, which can sometimes be used after a humorous or enjoyable situation.
8. Poggers – A variation of “Pog,” conveying excitement or hype, often used alongside “LUL” to express enjoyment in a funny or exciting moment.
9. 4Head – An emote featuring a grinning face, often used sarcastically to mockingly laugh at something perceived as obvious or simple.
10. PepeLaugh – An emote of Pepe the Frog with squinted eyes and a wide smile, used to signify laughter or finding something amusing.

LUL Examples

Social Media Context

Person A: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Person B: I don't know, why?
Person A: To get to the other side.
Person B: LUL, nice try.

Other Examples

1. Ha! Dude you totally blew that last game. LUL!
2. So, have you thought about asking Mary Anne to the dance yet? LUL
3. Hey man, I can’t go out tonight. My parents grounded me for not doing my chores. LUL