What is LOL and where did it come from?

 You've probably come here because you either would like to know the meaning of LOL, or perhaps you are trying to find a bit more information regarding it, or its usage. Well, in the following paragraphs we are going to discuss the origins of internet slang in generally, followed by a claim that states the origin of LOL. We will then look at a few examples of usage, and if you want to get daring examples of similar acronyms you might wish to use instead.

Where did Internet Slang come from?

The rise of the internet as a new mode of communication was the main driver behind growth of internet slang, as the name might suggest. However, what you may not realise is that whilst this was true originally, now internet slang arises from a large variety of media, such as games, television and general popular culture. The main reason of internet slang it to ease communication, and on the face of it LOL would seem to fit into this category as it is quicker to type "LOL" rather than type "I am laughing at that". However, many seemingly obvious internet slang words \ acronyms take on slightly differing meanings, or are attributed new meanings altogether. You will see a few examples later on where LOL is used not to say "Laughing Out Loud", but instead imply a passive "nod" or "I can't be bothered to take part in this conversation so I will just type LOL, even though it is not funny".

More info on the internet slang word LOL

The word LOL has been used since the 1960's when it was the acronym for "Little Old Lady", however its modern LOL meaning as internet slang arose from its use on Commercial network called Viewline in Canada where a guy called Wayne Pearson claims he first used it in response to something a man called "Sprout" said.
Perhaps the origin of may of these words will remain a mystery, but what is clear, is that the evolution of needing a shorter way to communicate into its own culture once the rise of Twitter and Facebook enabled things to go viral has meant that these internet slang words are here to stay. In fact, in March 2011, LOL even attained an entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Want to know how to use LOL?

Whilst the strict definition of LOL is "Laughing out Loud" or "Laugh Out Loud", it is increasingly being used in the following situation:
1. I am not really that interested in what you are saying, so I will just say LOL as I am so used to saying it.
2. I shall say LOL even though your joke, or what you said wasn't even funny, just to make you feel better
3. I have nothing to add to the conversation to will just say LOL as a filler

Some LOL usage examples:

Person 1: So was on my way to get a few beers and I saw this beaver building a dam.
Person 2: lol

Person 1: I just dropped my laptop on the floor
Person 2: lol

Person 1: Hey do you wanna go grab a hotdog?
Person 2: Lol, no

Check out these variations of LOL

As stated previously, many internet slang words are developed and adapted with more complex variations. Some of those variations of "LOL" relating to laughing are below:
CSLCan't stop laughing
IAL (I Actually Laughed)
LATM (Laughing At The Moment)
LI (Laughing Inside)
LLH (Laughing Like Hell)
LOI (Laughing On the Inside)
LQTMS (Laughing Quietly To Myself)
LSH (Laughing So Hard)
LTMS (Laughing To Myself)
NLM (No Laughing Matter)
ROFLOL (Rolling On Floor, Laughing Out Loud)
ROTFL (Rolling On The Floor Laughing)