Internet
ootl
What does ootl mean?
The basis of Reddit's r/OutOfTheLoop community where people ask for explanations of trends and drama.
"Saw it explained on OOTL, turns out it's a whole saga."
Origin
From the everyday idiom 'out of the loop,' shortened for forums and especially Reddit's r/OutOfTheLoop, the go-to place for explaining viral context.
Frequently asked questions
What does OOTL mean on Reddit?
It means 'out of the loop,' used when you've missed context and want it explained. There's a whole subreddit for asking these questions.
How is OOTL different from ELI5?
OOTL asks for context on current drama or trends, while ELI5 asks for a simple explanation of any topic. OOTL is about catching up on the news.
Is it embarrassing to say you're OOTL?
Not at all — it's a normal, humble way to ask for context. Everyone misses things online.
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