LOLN

What Does LOLN Mean in a Text?

LOLN means "Laughing Out Loud, Not!"

The abbreviation LOLN is typically used to indicate that the sender does not find something funny. It is also used to contradict another person who finds a joke or situation funny.

The use of "Not!" in LOLN was inspired by the 1992 film Wayne's World. In the film, the main characters (Wayne y Garth) follow many apparently affirmative sentences with "Not!", thereby completely changing the meaning. These "Not jokes" became a standard part of the routines of US stand-up comics in the 1990s, and the phrase became so widespread that the use of "Not!" as a contradiction has become a feature of contemporary English. (Although it is now widely considered 'uncool.')

Image for LOLN

When I write LOLN, I mean this:

meaning of LOLN

"Not funny!"

Summary of Key Points

"LOL, Not! is the most common definition for LOLN on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
LOLN
Definition:LOL, Not!
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2

2: Quite easy to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of LOLN in Sentences

Here are examples of LOLN being used in conversations:
  • Heidi: LOLCATS! LOLN.
  • Julie: Yeah. They are so boring now.
  • Ralph: I heard you tucked your skirt in your panties when you went to the ladies room. LOL!
  • Carly: LOLN!

An Academic Look at LOLN

LOLN is an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., El Oh El En). Initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "Not funny" instead of using the abbreviation LOLN.

The Evolution of "LOL"

This video shows the evolution of the term "LOL" and the various laughing emojis:
Read more about LOL.

Example of LOLN Used in a Text

LOLN
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