15 Funny Web Expressions And Acronyms You Need To Know

Get "in the know" with this handy cheat sheet.

Even the newest "N00b" knows the basics of web slang. There's "LOL" ("Laugh Out Loud"), "FTW" ("For The Win"), and "BRB" ("Be Right Back), for instance. But just like the rest of the English language, web slang is an ever-changing phenomenon.

Here's a quick cheat sheet for some of the best web slang out there right now.

01
of 15

Dafuq?

Via We Know Memes

This is basically another way of saying, WTF, or "What the f**k?" When used appropriately, this can be a very succinct and funny way of expressing disbelief, shock, or repulsion. This expression made the rounds back in 2010 when paired with an image of Severus Snape, from the  movies, seemingly expressing shock over a face swap. The "dafuq" Harry Potter meme still makes the round today.

02
of 15

MFW

Via Imgur.

"My Face When."

Use this expression along with a reaction gif for maximum effect! Example: MFW the boss puts more work on my desk at 4:45 PM.

03
of 15

TL;DR

Via Know Your Meme

"Too Long; Didn't Read."

Rude, yes, but this one is pretty popular! Most web users are looking for a quick read, not your life story. If you post something with a lot of text and get a few, "TL;DR" comments, don't take it personally. It's a proven fact that most web readers never bother to finish even a moderate-length article. It's not you, it's us. We get bored easily; think of it as collective ADD.

04
of 15

IDGAF

Via Keepcalm-o-matic.

"I don't give a f**k."

I don't think I have to explain this one, do I? :-)

05
of 15

Bae

bae-caught-me-slippin.png
Via reddit.

Bae means "baby" or "before anyone else." This expression became popular when people started taking selfies of themselves pretending to be asleep; they then claimed their "baes" caught them sleeping and took the picture. LAAAAA-AAAME, am I right? (I'm right.)

Still funny though! Check out: 20 People Who Were "Caught Sleeping" By Their Baes.

06
of 15

Do you even lift?

Via Reddit

This is the standard snarky response for when someone attractive posts a photo of him or herself. The phrase originated on body-building and fitness forums, and it has since become THE condescending remark for all web forums. The more physically fit the OP (Original Poster) is, the more likely we are to react with sarcasm. 

07
of 15

TWSS

"That's what she said."

This expression originated back in 1992 with Wayne’s World, though most people attribute the saying to the Michael Scott character (played by Steve Carell) in the NBC comedy The Office.

It's a way of taking someone's words out of context and making them sexual. For example, if someone wrote, "This was so big, I couldn't fit it all in," it will only be a matter of time before another person chimes in with, "TWSS!"

08
of 15

Your Argument Is Invalid

Whenever there is a difference of opinion on the internet (which is pretty much EVERY DAY), this snippy response can be used as a topic-killer.

09
of 15

FML

Via FML.

 It means "F**k My Life." 

There's a popular blog called FML where people can post annoying things that have happened to them along with the expression FML. 

10
of 15

Pics or it didn't happen

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but still a fun way to ask people to prove their outlandish claims. Let's face it, some people get on the internet and think they can say anything and we'll all automatically believe them. Saying, "Pics or it didn't happen" in a web forum sends a definite message; it means, "I think you're full of it. Prove me wrong with photographic evidence."

Wait, people LIE on the internet? No way! I don't believe it.

NEXT PAGE: Headdesk, ICWYDT, Derp and more!

11
of 15

Cool Story, Bro

Via Memegenerator

 This is another expression that came to us via a comedic film. In the 2001 filmZoolander, actor Owen Wilson’s character Hansel tells an overly-complicated and boring story. When he finally wraps it up, another character laughs and says to him, "Cool story, Hansel." Once this expression hit the web, it became a great way to subtly tell someone that they got a bit tangential or long-winded with their narrative. When using this expression online, the more sarcasm that is administered, the better received it will be.

12
of 15

Headdesk

Via Comedy Central.

When you're so frustrated with some idiot on the internet that you just have to bang your head against your desk.

13
of 15

ICWYDT or ISWYDT

"I see what you did there."

Most often, you'll find this expression in the comment section of blogs, or on captions for image memes. It is usually used as a somewhat snarky, condescending response to a bad joke, but it can also express real appreciation for another person’s witty comment. You can safely use this expression any time you want to let someone know that you got their joke, whether you think it was a good joke or not.

14
of 15

DERP

Via Stuff Stumbled Upon

 Remember when we used to say, "Duh" or "Durr" when someone said something stupid? Derp is the new 'Durr." However, it's more than just a word that means "dumb," it can also be used as a name for someone who is acting dumb. We see this expression a lot in rage comics, where Derp is depicted with a goofy, wall-eyed face. Derpina is the female equivilant of Derp.

15
of 15

Fail

It means you failed. Duh. The only way something can be a more complete fail is if it's an "Epic Fail."

Now that you're in the know, have a laugh at some parents who clearly didn't read this list: 20 Parents Who Are Awful At Text Messaging.

20 Delusional Dudes With Fake Photoshop Girlfriends

You're not fooling anybody, guys! Give it up.