Social Media Slang
The abbreviation L.O.L.
What is "Laugh Out Loud"?
Before the smartphone, a sleek, foldable tech that fits easily in your pocket and got its name from what you would need to do to access buttons or keyboard.
What is a flip phone?
This household animal is the focal point of a mashup meme that depicts two "Real Housewives" angrily yelling at this pet sitting in a chair in front of a plate of greens.
What is a cat?
Posting a live video on social media, a technique adopted by Catholic churches throughout the pandemic to broadcast Mass.
What is (live-)streaming?
The social media platform that always gave you Tom as your first friend but turned into a music website after losing its popularity.
What is Myspace?
A number surrounded by letters used to communicate that a person needs to log off
What is "g2g"?
Before email, a device that transferred documents from one office to another via a phone line.
What is a fax machine?
The experience of clicking on a link only to be surprised with Rick Astley's song "Never Gonna Give You Up"
What is "rickrolled"?
This refers to a video that shows the perspective of someone else.
What is POV?
Before TikTok, the app that allowed you only to post six-second videos.
What is Vine?
A term used to express concern for missing something fun or exciting.
What is FOMO (or "fear of missing out")?
Before Google or Wikipedia, a collection of books that provided the best source of facts and information.
What are encyclopedias?
This image of a man drinking coffee while sitting outside at a table with a poster containing a "hot take" statement and always ends with these three words.
What is "change my mind"?
Saying this word in a TikTok video may cue Spanish guitar music and Dom Toretto.
What is "family"
This was Google's attempt at social media that was shut down in 2019
What is Google+ (Google Plus)?
Two letters that abbreviate a personal communication exchange?
What is DM?
Before cell phones, wearable devices that received incoming phone numbers alerting the receiver to call the sender, often accomplished by payphone. The sender could include other numbers to communicate a sort of "coded" message.
What are beepers (or pagers)?
Years ago, this brand of phone was found in many memes, mainly focusing on its long battery life and how it seems to be indestructible.
What is Nokia?
The person who steps in to help Ryan Reynolds with the higher notes of the Grace Kelly Challenge.
Who is Will Ferrell?
An instant messaging service created in 1997 by AOL (America Online) that featured a "Buddy List" and had a running man for a mascot.
What is AIM (AOL Instant Messenger)?
A shortened term to tell someone that they look adorable.
What is "adorbs"?
Before computer-based slide presentations, teachers would use this dedicated machine to shine a light through a transparent sheet to present information to a class.
This two part British slogan about persistence that originated in World War 2 has many meme adaptations, but usually starts with the same two words.
What is "Keep Calm and Carry On" (or "Keep Calm")?
Strengthening the core muscles by lying face-down, flat as a board, on random objects.
What is planking?
What is LiveJournal?