The word "lolcat" is a neologism that was originally used to describe funny cat pictures with captions on the internet. The spelling of the word is based on the acronym "lol" which stands for "laugh out loud". The "cat" part of the word represents the subject matter of the pictures. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /lɒl.kæt/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The pronunciation of the word is the same as the pronunciation of the two component words, lol and cat.
Lolcat:
Lolcat is a term used to refer to a humorous or funny photo or image of a cat that is typically accompanied by captions written in a specific style. These captions are usually written using intentionally incorrect grammar, spelling, and syntax, resembling the speech patterns associated with internet slang and memes such as "LOL" (laugh out loud).
The term "lolcat" combines the abbreviation "lol" (short for laugh out loud) and "cat" to describe the content of these images. Lolcats have gained popularity on various online platforms, particularly image-sharing websites and social media.
Lolcats are known for their lighthearted and comical nature, often generating amusement and laughter among internet users. The captions accompanying these images primarily focus on clever wordplay, puns, or humorous observations about cats' behaviors. They often feature cats in humorous or adorable poses that further enhance the comedic effect.
Lolcats are frequently shared and spread virally across the internet, with users creating their own captions to contribute to the lolcat phenomenon. The unique and distinct language used in these captions, known as "lolspeak" or "kitty pidgin," adds to the charm and humor of lolcats.
In summary, a lolcat refers to a humorous photograph or image of a cat accompanied by captions written in a distinctive and intentionally incorrect style known as lolspeak. These lighthearted and comical images have become widely popular in online communities, providing entertainment and generating laughter among internet users worldwide.
The word "lolcat" is a combination of two elements: "lol" and "cat". Here is the etymology of each part:
1. "lol": The term "lol" is an abbreviation of "laugh out loud" and has been commonly used in internet lingo since the early days of online communication. It signifies the act of finding something humorous or funny.
2. "cat": The word "cat" refers to the animal "cat" and has been in use for centuries to describe this particular species. In the context of "lolcat", the word specifically highlights images or photos of cats.
The combination of "lol" and "cat" creates "lolcat", a term used to describe humorous images or memes featuring cats with captions that often use improper grammar or intentionally misspell words for comedic effect.