Real English

[sobrique]

I was just discussing, in a different forum, the use of variants of English on the Net.

I thought I'd try and collect a few opinions.
So:

What is your opinion on the use of 'cut down' English on the net?
By which I mean things like "txt spk", "l33t h4x0r" or any of the variants (including use of abbreviations like "LOL").

Do you use them when posting anywhere? (Including perhaps, on mobiles). What's your opinion on styles to be used when posting?

My opinion I've left out for now, not wanting to bias any answers I get ;p

Comments

[karen2205]

Absolutely hate mangling of the English language, in all its forms.

(Though I don't have a problem with abbreviations eg. IMHO, IIRC etc, or with ocassional smileys that *add* to meaning.)

I never mangle English - occassionally I drop capital letters when I'm in IRC channels, but what I write can always be read as standard English.

I have such a dislike for it that I consciously make sure any text messages I send are punctuated perfectly:-)

As for posts - I don't particularly care what people do; though I'm not going to read anyone who mangles English.

ROOFLES!!111one

[stelas.livejournal.com]

omgwtfpwnplzkaythxbbq

Re: ROOFLES!!111one

[sobrique.livejournal.com]

Bad command or file name
C:\>_

[ehrine.livejournal.com]

I personally try to avoid using "cut down" English. As a fairly good typer, I actually find it harder to think about how to cut a word down then to just type it in full. Admittedly, I do use things like "lol" and other similar "standard" abreviations, but to be honest, they're in such common use now that it wouldn't surprise me if they are added to the dictionary in the not too distant future. Things like typing "u" instead of you and "m8" instead of mate can really annoy me at times...

LOL.

[stelas.livejournal.com]

http://www.dictionary.co.uk/search.php?query=lol

Re: LOL.

[ehrine.livejournal.com]

Two references, one from a dictionary of computing and the other a collection of acronyms. Neither is the Oxford English dictionary, so I don't think it counts as "official" english yet ;)

[malal.livejournal.com]

I hate l33t speak with a passion. It became very acute while I was working at Beyond Gaming (a internet cafe, for those who don't know). I'm not keen on txt speak either. Standard acronyms are fine by me, but anything else? Grrrr....