Text Speak - Real or Gobbledygook

[MarillionFan]

Right. For all of those CUK readers who cannot understand a bloody word that some of the posters are talking about, here is a 'txt spk' dictionary.

As quite a few of the shortened phrases don't even actually exist (you know who you are Nick!) I feel now is the time to start highlighting poor usage.

http://www.lingo2word.com/dictionary.php


MF

[lightng]

Tftt Lu2b

[mudskipper]

whs - what a heap of tulip.

[PAH]

The sad thing is this will become the new English language when all the chav kids grow up.

I suppose it's only natural, the language we speak today is nothing like what it was even 100 years ago never mind a thousand.

One day we'll progress to the level of other animals where we can communicate with only whistles and squawks.

[PAH]

Eh? Rubbish. No it's not. Charles Darwin is perfectly readable and Jane Austen is perfectly readable and that was 200 years ago.

You have a wander around London 100 years ago and I bet you'll think the majority (not the upper classes with their poncy finishing schools) of people are speaking a different language.

It's the masses that control the language hence why the Oxford Dictionary is plagued with recent non-words.

[Moscow Mule]

American is English from 100-150 years ago (so I heard on QI).

I can speak with Americans quite easily, so I don't think it's going to be a problem in my lifetime...

[VectraMan]

You have a wander around London 100 years ago and I bet you'll think the majority of people are speaking a different language. .

Just like today then.

American English will become the new English. "Quit" is now common place; kids are "grounded"; people order in pubs with "can I get..", and there's even a thread on CUK about SUVs.

It's only the meaning of fanny that defines us as English, and I'm sure that'll change.

[lightng]

English language. Bring on the "updations".

[HairyArsedBloke]

One of the problems with that septic lingo is that it is very infectious. I am highly exposed to them and often use their expressions and when I find myself doing so I feel very

I use colloquial English to wind the septics up. However, I got told off for using 'gagging for it' the other day.

[NickFitz]

Most of the things you're whining about originated online in the early Usenet and email days - nothing to do with textspeak.

YHBT, HAND