So the FBI has compiled a stupidly extensive list of 2,800 internet abbreviations. Apparently they aren’t too tech savvy though, as they haven’t heard of this new tool called “Google” which allows you to search almost anything, including internet abbreviations. Better yet, Urban Dictionary is actually just an online dictionary that lists meanings for all the words and acronyms that the kids are using these days. Yes, we’re baffled too. Maybe someone should let the guy who wrote this document know.
So I looked over the document, and I’m estimating about 90% of the whole thing is just different abbreviations for “I love you” and “lol”. So you jolly, romantic terrorists / drug lords / sexual predators better watch out, the FBI is right onto you.
The other 10%, however, are abbreviations for things that you would probably never say and/or need to abbreviate… ever. (See: “L – laugh”).
And quite a few abbreviations with double meanings (IAL – I ain’t laughing / I actually laughed). Careful now, we don’t want to confuse them…
The 83-page scanned PDF was obtained with a Freedom of Information request by Muckrock, an organisation that helps the public to acquire data from the US government. According to the document, “you should find it useful in your work or for keeping up with your children and/or grandchildren”.
Take a look at the the list in full.
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