'Texting' Times
"Sup! Gr8 2 c u :) How r u?" Do you wince every time you get such text messages? Or, if you agree with the texter, do you type "shd b ok" and "LOL" to inject that much needed dose of humor into your conversation? Also, do you sign off saying, "C U…XXX"? How often do you hang up on a chat, saying "G2G...TTYL"? And, if you wish to continue after a short break, do you dash off "BRB"? How many of you with those ubiquitous hand held devices and computers, have dived into the new millennial text pool and have mastered the abbreviations and acronyms that constitute electronic chatter?
Once, on an online discussion forum, that seemed quite opinionated, I came across a feedback that was nothing more than a terse "TLDR". I balked at my lack of knowledge of the acronym. A franticGoogle search revealed, "Too Long, Didn't Read". That left me agape. And, then there was "IMHO" that saw me floundering again. 'In my honest opinion' I felt hamstrung by the new age vocabulary!
Texting and chatting with those skilled in chat lingo, introduces one to a host of tangled expressions and humorous acronyms. Texting vocab is commonly associated with youngsters who abbreviate words. Thus, whole words are substituted with letters, symbols and numerals, not just for ease and speed of typing, but more for the sheer fun of it, so much so that there seems to have evolved a new order amidst all the chaos. But must one really give in to the juvenile dictionary? Personally speaking, I seldom find myself using inscrutable acronyms and freaky spellings that may perceptibly categorize me into the league of young people. Yet, all that reluctance takes a beating when one wishes to pack in information, courtesy and etiquette into a conversation, plus save time on ornate typing. Given the frequency of web chats and the need to convey spontaneous emotions, even purists are seen breaking rules handily, and bowing to digital glossary. It ensues that as time, space and emotions condense, the wordbook gets customized forthwith.
As text speak spews bizarre expressions and articulation among the youth brigade, lack of use of the same sadly gets the youngster dubbed 'uncool', LOL! Much to the chagrin of mature users XXX, BRB, TTYL, OMG, IDK, ROFL, C U, and TMI are some of the esoteric acronyms on Instant Messaging and texting. If you are skilled at IM and still do not know what TBH or TMI means, then both you and I must admit to holding a rather scant knowledge of chat acronyms and kinky abbreviations.
While fledglings gain frightening proficiency in the messaging lingo, linguists fume at the flagrant abuse of conventional spelling and grammar. The scenario however, gets watered down when parents, with an awareness of the potential dangers that surround their children on social networking sites, scramble to decode cryptic acronyms and smileys.
In a fast changing world, as Facebook comes of age and more and more youngsters drift to Twitter, the need to abridge texts is even greater. Old-timers needn't fear, falter and frown at the fusion lexicon. Perhaps, in the digital age, your BFF with speed pills in hand, is blameless in text speaking 'AAYF'. And, conservatives who coined 'IOU' way back in the 17thcentury can undoubtedly blink at that. :)
Published by Ruby Sahay
No comments:
Post a Comment