GGEZLOL: How the Language of the Internet Creates a Bar to Entry

28 Nov

Written By Theo K.

Bare with us it’s about to get subjectively L33T, this ones for the Boomers. The internet, a realm of boundless information and communication, has also become a crucible for linguistic evolution. Over time, it has birthed a new digital dialect: hyper-abbreviated, meme-laden, and bristling with irony. Words like "GGEZ" (Good Game, Easy Win), "LOL" (Laugh Out Loud), and the kaleidoscopic uses of emojis have become hallmarks of this evolving language.

This form of communication is often playful, efficient, and deeply context-dependent, making it second nature to many. Yet, as with any dialect, it erects barriers. Those fluent in its nuances navigate online spaces with ease, while the uninitiated may feel alienated. This article explores how internet language serves as both a bridge and a gatekeeper, shaping digital discourse while entrenching divides across generations, cultures, and abilities.

The Anatomy of Internet Language

Brevity and Speed: A Necessity in Digital Spaces

Internet language mirrors the medium it inhabits: fast, transient, and often constrained by character limits. Platforms like Twitter, originally limited to 140 characters, fostered succinct communication through acronyms (BRB, IDK), initialisms (BTW, ROFL), and shorthand (thx, pls).

Gaming and live chats further demand linguistic efficiency. “GGEZ” is one of countless examples where players communicate post-game sentiments without disrupting gameplay. Another classic is “AFK” (Away From Keyboard), which signals absence in multiplayer scenarios but has since been co-opted into broader usage.

Even older forms of internet language, like leet speak (1337 5P34K), showcase the internet’s creative shortcuts. Originating in hacker subcultures, leet speak replaces letters with numbers or symbols (e.g., "h4x0r" for hacker, "pwn" for own or dominate). While less common today, its echoes persist in modern gaming and tech communities, influencing terms like "ggwp" (Good Game, Well Played).

In 2024, new trends such as "ratio" (used to indicate dominance in likes or retweets over someone else's post) and phrases like "mid" (average or underwhelming) continue this tradition of linguistic adaptation. While intuitive for regular users, they bewilder outsiders encountering these terms for the first time.

Meme Culture: More Than Just Humour

Memes are not merely entertainment—they are linguistic carriers, shaping and spreading digital language. Expressions like "it’s giving [X]" (used to attribute a vibe or energy), "no thoughts, head empty," or "sus" (short for suspicious, popularized by Among Us) convey shared cultural understanding but require contextual literacy to fully grasp.

Modern examples push these boundaries further. Phrases like "rizz" (charisma or charm, particularly in romantic contexts) and "based" (agreeable or standing firm in one’s beliefs, often used ironically) thrive in social media and streaming platforms. Adding complexity, phrases like "NPC" (Non-Playable Character) are now applied metaphorically to describe people perceived as lacking agency or originality, an evolution from its original gaming context.

Layered irony remains a cornerstone of meme culture. Terms like “cringe” can signal discomfort, but its interpretation depends on tone, context, and audience. Memes steeped in irony—such as the resurgence of Shrek memes as a bizarre cultural symbol or the cryptic "yassification" of traditionally unglamorous concepts—continue to baffle the uninitiated while bonding insiders.

Emojis and Formatting: The New Syntax

Emojis, punctuation, and formatting have become the punctuation marks of the digital era, redefining how tone and emotion are conveyed. A simple emoji, like the skull (💀), might signify death in one context and uncontrollable laughter in another. Similarly, newer emojis like the melting face (🫠) communicate complex feelings of awkwardness, embarrassment, or emotional overwhelm.

Internet syntax also thrives on playfulness:

Periods can denote passive-aggressiveness (“Fine.”).
All caps signal excitement or irony (“I’M SCREAMING”).
Ellipses suggest awkward pauses (“uh...okay”).

Formatting quirks like deliberate misspellings (e.g., "hewwo" or "stahp") or exaggerated vowels ("yaaass") signal a light-hearted tone, but their overuse can alienate those unfamiliar with these subtleties.

Gatekeeping and Exclusion: Who Gets Left Behind?

Generational Divide

The generational gap in digital communication is one of the most pronounced barriers. Younger generations, immersed in internet culture, often see traditional communication—lengthy emails, formal salutations—as outdated. Older generations, on the other hand, may interpret a lack of punctuation as carelessness or struggle to decode acronyms and slang.

Notably, this divide is not absolute. Millennials often bridge older traditions with modern slang, while Gen Z reshapes internet culture with novel trends. Even older users adapt; memes like “OK Boomer” sparked significant engagement among Baby Boomers, showing a willingness to participate in digital dialogue.

Cultural and Socioeconomic Barriers

Internet language often emerges from Western English-speaking contexts, marginalizing non-native speakers. Idioms like "spill the tea" (gossip) or "touch grass" (get offline and go outside) can be confusing without cultural knowledge. New slang like "slay" (excel or perform admirably) or "girl dinner" (a humorous reference to snack-based meals) adds layers of linguistic exclusivity.

Socioeconomic factors also play a role. People with limited internet access or education in under connected regions face delayed exposure to these trends, creating barriers to fluency in online communication.

Neurodivergence and Online Communication

Internet language often relies on subtext, tone, and context—elements that may be difficult for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sarcasm, layered irony, and the flexible meanings of emojis or slang can obscure clarity and lead to misinterpretation.

For example, the phrase “I can’t even” (expressing emotional overwhelm) might seem nonsensical without familiarity with its idiomatic use. This highlights the need for more accessible and explicit communication methods in digital spaces.

The Power Dynamics of Digital Fluency

Fluency in internet language often equates to cultural relevance, tech-savviness, and social capital. Terms like “ratioed” or memes tailored to niche communities can dominate online discussions, excluding those unfamiliar with their origins.

Algorithms exacerbate this issue by promoting trending phrases and memes, side lining content from less internet-savvy voices. For example, content creators unfamiliar with trends like “quiet luxury” (a TikTok movement emphasizing understated wealth) or phrases like “main character energy” may struggle to gain visibility. This creates a feedback loop that favors cultural insiders while marginalizing diverse linguistic styles.

Bridging the Gap: Towards Inclusive Digital Communication

Education and Digital Literacy

To reduce barriers, digital literacy programs must evolve beyond basic skills to include the nuances of internet language. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations could offer workshops on decoding slang, memes, and online etiquette, fostering intergenerational and intercultural understanding.

Accessible Platform Design

Tech companies have a role to play in promoting inclusivity. Tools that translate slang, interpret emojis, or offer explanations for internet trends could make digital spaces more welcoming for newcomers. AI-powered systems, for example, could provide optional “context layers” for unfamiliar terms.

Embracing Linguistic Diversity

Encouraging respect for both formal and informal communication styles can help bridge divides. Platforms and communities should celebrate diverse linguistic expressions, creating environments where newcomers and veterans of digital language feel equally valued.

Simply Put: Building a Shared Digital Future

Internet language is a powerful force for creativity, connection, and efficiency—but it can also exclude. Generational gaps, cultural divides, and accessibility challenges highlight the need for greater inclusivity in digital spaces.

By fostering digital literacy, designing accessible tools, and embracing linguistic diversity, we can ensure that the internet remains a place where everyone—whether a “LOLing” teenager or a curious newcomer—can feel at home. Only by breaking down these barriers can the internet fulfill its promise as a truly inclusive space for all.