If someone sent you an :L (or just L) and you don’t know how to interpret it, don’t stress.

We’ll explain the different meanings. There are several forms of :L and L, but you can usually understand their intent based on the context.

Let’s explore what they signify on social media or texts.

Key Points to Remember

• :L often shows that someone is at a loss for words. However, some people might use it to indicate they find something funny.

• L stands for loss. You can use it to tease a friend or to minimize a disappointing situation.

Steps

What :L Means

Many people use :L to show that they are at a loss for words. It looks a bit like a blank stare, similar to the 😐 (neutral face) emoji.

You can use it when you want to express that you’re not really sure how to respond. Keep in mind that this emoticon often suggests a playful tone. For instance:

• Them: “I tried to bake a cake, but it turned into a pancake.”

• You: “:L, what were you hoping for?”

Some use :L to indicate that they’re laughing. While this usage isn’t as common as the blank expression, many people replace “lol” with :L.

The colon symbolizes eyes, while the L stands for laughing. For example:

• Them: “Why did the bicycle fall over? It was two-tired!”

• You: “:L that’s a good one!”

Using :L 

Use :L to show that you are jokingly unimpressed. If you want to show some skepticism or doubt about what someone is saying, :L can be a lighthearted way to do it.

It’s a fun way to indicate that you’re not quite convinced! For example:

• Them: “I think I left my keys in the fridge…”

• You: “:L you really did that?”

Use :L like “lol.” Instead of responding with 😂 or saying “lol” to something funny, you can use

to show that you found it amusing. For instance:

• Them: “I’m so tired of math that I might start counting sheep in class.”

• You: “That’s hilarious :L, but what if you did?”

What L Stands For?

L often stands for “loss.” When you say you “took an L,” it means you experienced a loss.

This can refer to something straightforward, like losing a basketball game, or something more abstract, such as missing out on a social event. For example:

• “You really think you can beat me in Fortnite? I’ll serve you an L every time.”

• “I took a big L today. I asked Sarah to the dance, and she said no ☹.”

• “If you’re up for it, we can hit the bowling alley again, and I’ll be sure to hand you another L 😊.”

Using L.

Friendly teasing during a competition. Let someone know you’re dishing out Ls, and watch the playful reactions roll in.

This is a great way to amp up your trash talk. For instance:

• “Need an L? I’ve got plenty to share.”

• “Challenge me on the soccer field, and I promise you’ll leave with an L.”

• “No way Drake is better than Kendrick. If they faced off, Drake would be taking the L for sure.”

Use an L to minimize a real loss you faced. Saying you “took an L” can help you express a setback while showing that it doesn’t bother you too much. Here are a few examples:

• “I totally took an L on that history quiz. Looks like summer school is in my future.”

• “It seems like Mia isn’t interested in going out with me again :/ looks like I’m taking another dating L.”

• “My sister didn’t get accepted into her dream college. She’s really struggling to handle that L.”