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interjection

LMAO

el-em-ay-OH, or luh-MAY-oh

LMAO (interjection) means used in messages and online posts to show that something is very funny; a stronger version of "lol". Example: “He turned up in a full pirate costume lmao.”

interjection
1
slang Used in messages and online posts to show that something is very funny; a stronger version of "lol".
"He turned up in a full pirate costume lmao."
"LMAO, I can't believe she actually said that."
2
slang Used at the end of a message to soften it or to signal that the writer is not being entirely serious.
"I have no idea what I'm doing lmao."

How to Use LMAO

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of writing that something made you laugh a lot.

When to use it

Informal and slightly crude in origin. Fine between friends; avoid in formal or professional writing.

Memory tip

It can stand alone as a whole reply, or be tacked onto the end of a sentence without punctuation.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
lmao that's great omg lmao lmao no
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Can you complete this real example?

He turned up in a full pirate costume _____.

Etymology

An initialism of an informal phrase meaning "laughing extremely hard"; the middle letters stand for a mildly crude word.

Origin: English

Related Words

Rhymes for LMAO

See all rhymes for LMAO →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LOL and LMAO?

Both mark amusement, but LMAO is the stronger of the two and suggests genuine laughter, while LOL has weakened over time into a general marker of friendliness or lightness. LMAO is also cruder in origin, so LOL is the safer choice in mixed company.

Is it rude to use LMAO at work?

It is best avoided in professional messages. The letters stand for a mildly vulgar phrase, and even where colleagues use it casually it reads as very informal in anything that might be forwarded or archived.

Is LMAO written in capitals?

Both LMAO and lmao are common. Lower case tends to read as more casual and offhand; capitals can read as louder or more emphatic.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial