Evolution of the Japanese word “lol"

Japanese Internet Slang: The Galapagos Culture of Japanese Nerds

The Japanese internet culture, particularly among "otaku" (nerds), has evolved in a way that can only be described as uniquely Galapagos-like—completely independent and distinct from the rest of the world.

If you've ever watched Japanese live streams or videos, you'd probably be shocked by the unique expressions and slang used.

Japanese internet slang is wild when seen from a global perspective. Seriously, it's on another level.

The Evolution of "LOL" in Japanese Internet Culture

Let’s start with the basics. The term "lol" in English is shorthand for "laughing out loud" or "rolling on the floor laughing." It's simple, right? The concept is universal and easy to grasp.

But in Japan? Things get crazy.

Here’s a breakdown of the Japanese equivalents of "lol," which have evolved into a whole range of words, each with its own distinct nuance:

The Many Faces of "Lol" in Japanese:

1. 笑う (wara u)

   This is standard Japanese and directly translates to "laugh" or "smile." It’s commonly used in everyday conversation.

2. 笑 (wara)

   Originating from otaku culture, this abbreviation of 笑う is widely used across the internet. It's casual and informal, often appearing in text messages or online chats.

3. 藁 (wara)

   Though it has the same pronunciation as 笑 (wara), it literally means "straw" in Japanese. This was used briefly as a form of slang before being replaced by "草" (explained below).

4. 草 (kusa)

   This is the most popular internet slang for "lol" in Japan today. It comes from the idea that "w" (used to represent laughter) looks like grass growing when repeated, hence "草" (grass).

5. w (kusa)

   The single "w" originated as an abbreviation for wara, but over time, repeating "wwww" became common to express bigger laughter. The connection to "grass" (草) comes from the shape of the letters.

6. 林 (hayashi)

   Translating to "forest," this slang comes from the idea of multiple "草" (grass) forming a forest. It's less common but still recognized among internet users.

7. 森 (mori)

   Meaning "woods," this term builds on the concept of "林" (forest), taking the metaphor even further. It’s used to express even more laughter.

8. 大草原 (daisougen)

   Literally translating to "vast grasslands," this is used to describe extreme laughter. It's like saying, "I’m absolutely rolling on the floor laughing my head off."

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Why Is This So Complicated?

Yes, this is real Japanese internet culture. It might sound ridiculous, but these slang terms have deep roots in the otaku and online communities, evolving over time into what they are today.

A Brief History

• 笑う (wara u) is standard Japanese and has always been used in spoken and written language.
• 笑 (wara) became popular in the early days of the internet, particularly in otaku forums.
• w (kusa) and 草 (grass) gained traction as shorthand for laughter due to their visual and conceptual connections.
• 林, 森, and 大草原 grew out of playful extensions of the "grass" metaphor, adding layers of exaggeration and humor.

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Japanese internet slang is a prime example of how language and culture evolve in unexpected ways. It’s uniquely Japanese, and for outsiders, it’s both fascinating and bewildering.

If the above cultures are of interest to you, please visit the following sites. This site is a video site unique to Japan and is the basis of the famous “BiliBili” video site in China. It is no exaggeration to say that the basic structure of this site is made of “grass” and “W”.

NicoNico Douga URL : https://www.nicovideo.jp/

As an aside, this article was written by myself and edited by ChatGPT. It is very tidy and interesting, too different from my own poor writing.



マジで英語むじゅかしいってwwww