I'm in ur language lab, confuzing ur linguistz

[tree_and_leaf]

For a while, I've been noticing the cat macro (lolcat) popping up on people's flists - though I have the impression that the spate is slackening. Be that as it may, here are a couple of interesting speculations about the linguistic significance of the mangled English, or rather the manner in which it's mangled:

This one also has some interesting background info about various internet picture macros which was new to me - I certainly didn't know that the O RLY? picture really did originate with the snowy owl).

Mark Liberman at Language Log reacts to the previous post here, suggesting that it's not so much a pidgin as baby language. Actually, of course, it's netspeak and thus more associated with teenagers than anything else, although there may be a parallel 'infantilize the cute animal!' process going on.

Comments

[straussmonster.livejournal.com]

O RLY? as a phrase predates the snowy owl, but you can thank 4chan for putting the two together; they're also responsible for a lot of the cat macros. Pfft, he needs to LURK MOAR. :)

[lilliburlero.livejournal.com]

They annoy the hell out of me*, but now I know what to call them: cheers! But maybe I'm too old. I am too old to be a Botticelli-faced Talented Young Writer, after all.

*except "I'm in ur shipz, debauchin ur slothz", which is class, natch.

[straussmonster.livejournal.com]

I find the shorter cat macros to be the funnier ones, as opposed to the macrospeak. Now if only I could find my folder of lol_meme cat macros.

[tree_and_leaf]

*hides in terror of the lolcatz*

Wouldn't "Terror of the Lolcatz" be a fantastic name for a Doctor Who episode?

[straussmonster.livejournal.com]

The best was the LOL SENSITIVE one. Sigh. Maybe the wiki has them...

(I'm also surprised these guys haven't found all of the non-wikipedia wikis for things like this.)

[tree_and_leaf]

I haven't found any of them, either *goes off to look, which is a bad idea as should be in bed*

wtf wombats

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

I can see the Welsh quarry now.

Re: wtf wombats

[tree_and_leaf]

"I must admit, Doctor, I don't like the creatures any more than you do, but I find it hard to believe they're dangerous" Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart shifted his swagger stick uneasily under his arm.

"Oh, they may look harmless and innocent, but I assure you, lolcatz are among the most dangerous beings in the universe. They insinuate themselves into insufficeintly advanced and wary civillisations, and lure the bored and vulnerable to them with their amusing tricks, before turning the brains of their victims into damp fluff and feasting on the remains of their helpless victims. Early symptoms include dribbling, so you'd better watch for that. Now, what shall we do next.... I wonder..."

"Do bullets stop them?" said the Brigadier, more in hope than expectation.

"No" said the Doctor, stiffly. He resented having his dramatic pauses interrupted. "Oh - for goodness sake, Jo, put that down, it's dangerous!"

Re: wtf wombats

[snorkackcatcher]

*snicker*

"Do bullets stop them?" said the Brigadier, more in hope than expectation.

So apt. :)

Five Rounds Rapid!

[tree_and_leaf]

I think the Brigadier may actually be my favourite companion, even though he only dubiously counts as such.

I'm also, as always, appalled by my inability to type.

Aargh!

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

They insinuate themselves into insufficeintly advanced and wary civillisations, and lure the bored and vulnerable to them with their amusing tricks, before turning the brains of their victims into damp fluff

Help! Help! They've got me!

Re: Aargh!

[tree_and_leaf]

They got me some time ago. Or maybe I just need more sleep and more willpower.

Re: Aargh!

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

Having bought a copy of the Independent on Sunday at the weekend, I have decided to blame wireless networks.

[tree_and_leaf]

I'm neither a cat nor a cute person, so I tend to agree (also about the debauchin ur slothz!) But then, while technically young enough to be a Botticelli-faced TYW, I think I'm too old by about fifteen years mentally...

[tree_and_leaf]

So do I, apparently.

[dolorous-ett.livejournal.com]

IM IN UR BLOG FANGIRLING UR LINKZ LOL!!!!1111!

Classic. Thanks for sharing!

[tree_and_leaf]

Glad you enjoyed!

[owl]

It's a conlang!

[tree_and_leaf]

Of a sort, yes - I think Lapine might be of more intellectual merit, though.