The Internet Guide to Laughter

In a conversation with Amandica, she asked if “LOL” annoys me. “Annoy” is a bit strong, but I am not really a fan. I prefer a more expressive online laugh. I proceeded to describe my various online laughs, then I decided that this would make a good post. This is the internet, after all, and laughter is serious business here.

ha:

Minorly funny, but not an out-loud laugh. Alternately, it can be a bit sarcastic, e.g. “Ha. No.”

heh:

See ha.

haha:

Funny and sometimes an out-loud chuckle.

hahah:

Halfway between funny and quite funny.

hahaha:

Quite funny and definitely an out-loud laugh.

hahahaha (or longer):

Hysterically funny and out-loud laughing for several seconds. Use multiple lines of these if you are uncontrollably laughing for quite some time.

bwahahaha:

See hahahaha.

mua ha ha ha:

Not funny, but being sinister. Should definitely be out loud for full effect.

All of these can be used in CAPS to add a little more “oomph” as necessary.

What are your online laughs like?