12 Slang Phrases That Died with Dial-Up Internet
These 12 internet slang phrases were common during the dial-up era but gradually disappeared as technology and communication evolved.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In the early days of the internet, especially during the dial-up era, people developed their own online slang. Much of this language was tied to the limitations and culture of early online platforms. As broadband replaced dial-up and communication styles shifted, many of these phrases quietly vanished.
1. “BRB” (Be Right Back)
Tim Samuel on Pexels
This was used in chatrooms or instant messages to let someone know you were stepping away from the keyboard. It was especially common when users needed to disconnect or pause due to shared phone lines. With smartphones and always-on access, people no longer feel the need to announce brief absences. The phrase is rarely used in modern conversations.
2. “TTYL” (Talk To You Later)
KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels
This sign-off was standard in early messaging services like AIM or Yahoo Messenger. It helped close out a conversation politely. Today, people tend to stop replying without formal goodbyes, especially in texting. The phrase has mostly fallen out of regular use.
3. “AFK” (Away From Keyboard)
Tim Samuel on Pexels
Used in online chats and gaming to explain sudden silence, this phrase reflected the need to manually communicate your absence. It made sense when people were tethered to desktop computers. Now, mobile devices let users stay connected anywhere. The phrase is rarely necessary today.
4. “LMAO” (Laughing My Ass Off)
cottonbro studio on Pexels
This phrase was once a common response to anything funny online. It was often used in all caps to show louder laughter than “LOL.” Over time, newer expressions, emojis, and GIFs took its place. While still recognized, it is no longer widely used in casual chat.
5. “A/S/L?” (Age/Sex/Location?)
Samson Katt on Pexels
This question was common in anonymous chat rooms to find out who you were talking to. It became part of early internet culture, especially among teens and strangers. Increased awareness of online safety and privacy made it feel outdated and risky. The phrase has disappeared from modern platforms.
6. “ROFL” (Rolling On the Floor Laughing)
Wendy Wei on Pexels
Used to express extreme laughter, it added a dramatic tone to online responses. It was popular in forums, IRC chats, and early messenger apps. As online humor evolved, this phrase became less relevant. Today, short responses like emojis or “dead” (to express laughter) are more common.
7. “Noob”
Alexas Fotos on Pexels
Originally used in gaming to describe inexperienced players, “noob” was a mocking term. It spread across forums and multiplayer communities. Over time, it was replaced with more specific terms like “new player” or “beginner.” Its use has declined and is now seen mostly in retro gaming circles.
8. “PWNED”
Erik Mclean on Pexels
This slang word meant someone had been defeated or humiliated, especially in gaming. It started as a typo of “owned” and became an inside joke among early gamers. It was heavily used in online multiplayer chats during the 2000s. Now, it’s rarely used outside of old memes or nostalgic references.
9. “1337” (Leetspeak)
Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
This was a stylized writing system used to replace letters with numbers or symbols. It started in hacker communities and spread to gaming and tech forums. While it once signaled insider status, it became outdated and difficult to read. Very few people use it today outside of parody.
10. “BFFL” (Best Friends For Life)
JÉSHOOTS on Pexels
Popular among teens in the early 2000s, this phrase was used in chatrooms and social profiles. It reflected the emotional tone of online friendships at the time. As social media evolved, phrases like this became less common. Today, people prefer shorter versions like “BFF” or just use names.
11. “OMGZ”
Burst on Pexels
A variation of “OMG,” the added “Z” was part of early internet speak to exaggerate excitement or cuteness. It often appeared in message boards or fan forums. Over time, such stylized typing fell out of favor. The standard “OMG” remained, but versions like “OMGZ” faded out.
12. “WAZZUP”
Irina P on Pexels
Made popular by both internet users and TV commercials in the early 2000s, this greeting was used to sound informal or funny. It showed up in chatrooms and forums as a friendly hello. Overuse eventually made it feel forced or outdated. It is now mostly remembered as part of internet history.