LMAO
Abbreviation · Slang & Abbreviations · Origin: 1990
Definitions
Laughing My A** Off — an expression of intense amusement, evolved from BBS and Usenet culture. Now so common it barely registers as actual laughter. Its technical sibling is when you accidentally deploy to production on Friday.
In plain English: Short for 'Laughing My A** Off' — internet speak for finding something extremely funny. So common now that it barely registers as strong language.
Etymology
- c. 1990
- LMAO (Laughing My Ass Off) emerges in early internet chat rooms and Usenet as an intensifier of LOL
- 2000s
- LMAO becomes standard internet vernacular, used across forums, messaging, and social media
- 2010s
- Variants proliferate: LMFAO, ROFLMAO; the acronym's original shock value is fully domesticated