Lol vs. Loll — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 14, 2024
"Lol" is an acronym for "laugh out loud," used to express amusement, while "loll" is a verb meaning to recline or lounge lazily.
Difference Between Lol and Loll
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Key Differences
"Lol," commonly seen in digital communication, signals humor or laughter in response to something amusing. Whereas "loll" describes a physical action, where a person lies back or hangs loosely, often implying a relaxed or idle state.
"Lol" has become a staple in the language of text messaging and online chats, indicating that something is funny enough to elicit laughter. On the other hand, "loll" is less frequently used and typically appears in more descriptive, literary contexts to depict someone in a state of relaxation.
The use of "lol" can also serve to lighten the tone of a conversation or indicate sarcasm. Whereas "loll" does not carry such connotations, focusing solely on describing a specific physical posture or activity.
In modern usage, "lol" often appears in informal contexts and is recognized globally as part of internet slang. In contrast, "loll" retains a more traditional usage, found in written and spoken narratives that describe leisurely activities.
While "lol" is an informal, conversational term heavily used across various age groups, "loll" tends to appear in more mature or formal writing, often evoking a poetic or old-fashioned tone.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Acronym for "laugh out loud"
Verb meaning to recline lazily
Usage Context
Digital communication
Literary or descriptive contexts
Connotations
Humor, sarcasm
Relaxation, leisure
Frequency of Use
Very high
Moderate
Age of Term
Modern, emerged with the internet
Older, established usage
Compare with Definitions
Lol
Acronym for "laugh out loud".
She texted lol after seeing the funny meme.
Loll
To recline or lean in a relaxed manner.
He was lolling on the couch watching TV.
Lol
Expression of amusement in text.
His joke was so good, I had to reply with lol.
Loll
To hang loosely or droop.
The dog’s tongue lolled out of its mouth in the heat.
Lol
Indicator of sarcasm in text.
When he's joking, he adds lol at the end.
Loll
To move or act leisurely.
They lolled around the park all afternoon.
Lol
Digital shorthand for laughter.
Lol is often used to acknowledge a humorous comment online.
Loll
To exist in a state of laziness.
On hot days, they prefer to loll by the pool.
Lol
Casual response in conversations.
I just say lol sometimes to keep the chat going.
Loll
Literary use to describe relaxation.
She lolled back into the armchair with her favorite book.
Lol
Used to draw attention to a joke or amusing statement, or to express amusement
I love how you said ‘coffee is not my cup of tea’. LOL!
Loll
To move, stand, or recline in an indolent or relaxed manner.
Lol
Laugh audibly or be amused
I was LOLing at the teeny tiny little sign
I literally LOL'd when the updates popped up
Loll
To hang or droop laxly
A pennant lolling from the mast.
Lol
Alternative form of LOL
Loll
To permit to hang or droop laxly
Lolled his head on the armrest.
Lol
Alternative case form of LOL
Loll
(intransitive) To act lazily or indolently while reclining; to lean; to lie at ease.
Lol
Alternative form of LOL
Loll
(intransitive) To hang extended from the mouth, like the tongue of an animal heated from exertion.
Loll
(ambitransitive) To let (the tongue) hang from the mouth in this way.
The ox stood lolling in the furrow.
Loll
To act lazily or indolently; to recline; to lean; to throw one's self down; to lie at ease; as, to loll around the house on a lazy summer day.
Void of care, he lolls supine in state.
Loll
To hand extended from the mouth, as the tongue of an ox or a log when heated with labor or exertion.
The triple porter of the Stygian seat,With lolling tongue, lay fawning at thy feet.
Loll
To let the tongue hang from the mouth, as an ox, dog, or other animal, when heated by labor; as, the ox stood lolling in the furrow.
Loll
To let hang from the mouth, as the tongue.
Fierce tigers couched around and lolled their fawning tongues.
Loll
Hang loosely or laxly;
His tongue lolled
Loll
Be lazy or idle;
Her son is just bumming around all day
Common Curiosities
What does "lol" typically signify in a text message?
"Lol" typically signifies laughter or amusement in response to something funny.
Is "lol" appropriate for formal communications?
No, "lol" is generally considered too informal for professional or formal communications.
Can "loll" be used to describe an object?
Yes, "loll" can describe an object, especially if it hangs loosely, like curtains or a relaxed limb.
How has the use of "lol" evolved over time?
"Lol" has evolved from a straightforward acronym to a more versatile expression used for tone-setting in digital communications.
Is it correct to say someone "lolled" at a joke?
No, "lolled" is incorrect in that context; it should be "laughed" or "responded with 'lol.'"
Can "loll" imply physical tiredness?
Yes, "loll" can imply physical tiredness, suggesting a need to rest or relax.
What age group predominantly uses "lol"?
"Lol" is predominantly used by younger age groups but is understood and used across various ages due to its prevalence in digital communication.
Does "loll" have any synonyms?
Yes, synonyms for "loll" include lounge, recline, and sprawl.
How can "lol" change the tone of a conversation?
"Lol" can make a conversation seem lighter, more casual, or even sarcastic.
Is "loll" commonly used in everyday speech?
"Loll" is not commonly used in everyday speech; it is more typical in literary or descriptive contexts.
What is the origin of "loll"?
"Loll" comes from Middle English, meaning to act lazily or to recline leisurely.
Does "lol" have any variations?
Yes, variations of "lol" include "lmao" (laughing my ass off) and "rofl" (rolling on the floor laughing).
What is the appropriate context to use "loll"?
The appropriate context to use "loll" is in describing someone’s relaxed physical state, often in a more formal or literary setting.
Can "lol" be considered a word?
Yes, "lol" is considered a word and is even included in dictionaries as a term used in electronic communications for laughter.
What differentiates "lol" from other acronyms?
"Lol" is specifically related to laughing and is used globally, making it one of the most recognizable and widely used acronyms in digital communication.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
