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 notesIn 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 ↓
Common pairings
lmao that's great
omg lmao
lmao no
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Etymology
An initialism of an informal phrase meaning "laughing extremely hard"; the middle letters stand for a mildly crude word.
Synonyms
View more →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.
What is the meaning of LMAO?
"LMAO" (interjection) means used in messages and online posts to show that something is very funny; a stronger version of "lol".
