OMG! LOL Makes It Into The OED

OMG! LOL Makes It Into The OED

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/omg-lol-makes-it-oed

Reflection:


This article details the addition of some popular tween/teen slang into the OED such as OMG (oh my gosh), LOL (laugh out loud), BFF (best friend forever), and IMHO (in my humble opinion). I personally found the article interesting and have shared with students how the OED even recognizes their acronyms. Tweens like when what they read (possibly not traditional novels) is recognized as reading, and what they write is recognized as writing. It is really important to teach tweens/teens when it is appropriate to write informally and when it is appropriate to write formally. I have students turn in essays (even the high school exit exam) with 'jk' or 'lol' written on them. There is a big difference between a text message and a persuasive essay. However, I do like to validate tweens and teens and let them know that they *are* reading and writing on a daily basis. It may not be a descriptive essay or Catcher in the Rye, but I think it is important to the literacies that they are developing on a daily basis, as long as they can differentiate appropriate scenarios. Also, I really just find additions to the OED interesting. Apparently, OMG was used as early as 1917. Who knew?

Resources:

Teen chat decoder:


http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/

http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/internet-safety-articles/top-teen-acronyms.htm


Oxford English Dictionary:

http://www.oed.com/