abbreviation
IMAO
eye-em-ay-OH
IMAO (abbreviation) means a frequent mistyping of LMAO, the abbreviation used to show that something is very funny. Example: “imao, I can't believe he actually said that.”
abbreviation
1
informal A frequent mistyping of LMAO, the abbreviation used to show that something is very funny.
"imao, I can't believe he actually said that."
"She sent a string of typos: 'imao' twice, then a laughing emoji."
2
informal Used before an opinion to present it half-jokingly as arrogant or beyond argument.
"imao that's the best album they ever made."
"The sequel was better, imao."
How to use IMAO
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA jokey way of saying 'in my opinion', or a typo for 'lmao'.
When to use it
Very informal, and ambiguous — IMO is clearer.
Memory tip
Because it collides with a common typo, avoid IMAO if you actually want to be understood as giving an opinion.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
imao it's obvious
the best one, imao
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_____, I can't believe he actually said that.
Etymology
Most often a mistyping of LMAO, the i and l keys being adjacent. Also used deliberately as an initialism of 'in my arrogant opinion', a joking variant of IMO.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for IMAO
See all rhymes for IMAO →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IMAO and IMHO?
IMHO is 'in my humble opinion' and pretends to modesty; IMAO is 'in my arrogant opinion' and does the opposite as a joke. Both usually soften a strong view by making light of how it is being delivered.
Does IMAO mean laughing?
Not by design, but in practice many uses are simply LMAO typed wrongly, so it often appears where laughter is meant. Read the surrounding message: if it follows something funny rather than an opinion, it is a typo.
What is the meaning of IMAO?
"IMAO" (abbreviation) means a frequent mistyping of LMAO, the abbreviation used to show that something is very funny.
What is another word for IMAO?
Other words for "IMAO" include imo, imho, in my view.
