Does text talk make you seem stupid?

[Saintlikesgirls]

honestly what do you think?
do you think that by using text talk you think someone does not have an education?

my opinion: no it just means either 1 of three things..
1.) they're lazy
2.) they just accidentally got into the habit
3.) all of the above

[EvilMan_89]

not at all. it's just a habit, or something different you do in a different situation, like writing cursive at school. as long as you keep text talk to cell phones and the Internet then there's nothing to worry about. IF however it goes to school and official documents, that person needs to STOP.

[Xephos]

I would say 3 so they could sneak talking through classtime and then sometimes some gets caught and gets it taken away from my school and sent to teh teacher. Nowadays, you're allowed to use it at before school,, break, lunch, and or after school.

[Darkwatch]

xD I txt tlk sometimes. But mainly with people I know that do the same. I feel stupid doing it, and it makes my friends look kinda stupid too. But hey it's all fun.

[Nailpolish <3]

no actually, most people that text are people that can't talk on the phone. unlimited texting ftw.

its just that we aren't alowed to bring cellphones to class, so usually we just text under our desks. mostly to get other people's phones to ring :]

[Zandyne]

I believe that by "txt talking" the implications of sincerity and thought are sucked out. You can be a perfectly sane and academic human being, but omission of letters on purpose comes off as being annoying, lazy and rude unless there is substantial reason otherwise (such as ludicrous costs per letter). However, given the majority of unlimited text chat options being unleashed upon the cell phone community as well as more convenient ways to type correctly and efficiently, there really is no reason why one cannot fully type out their sentences.

Also words are a bloody GIFT, USE THEM. It's like the gift/skill of reading, you didn't spend years learning how to read and write properly just to use some sort of butchered and mangled *******ization of the language just so you can POSSIBLY get your opinion down faster. This (well in this case) is a forum not the tangled horror of exchange known as the NASDAQ or a debating Senate.

And we wonder why the older generations are afraid of the future.....

[White_Rook]

It's only convenient on a phone, when you actually pay by the letter. I don't talk online to people who choke out garbled, half-finished sentences.

[Erkz]

I believe that by "txt talking" the implications of sincerity and thought are sucked out. You can be a perfectly sane and academic human being, but omission of letters on purpose comes off as being annoying, lazy and rude unless there is substantial reason otherwise (such as ludicrous costs per letter). However, given the majority of unlimited text chat options being unleashed upon the cell phone community as well as more convenient ways to type correctly and efficiently, there really is no reason why one cannot fully type out their sentences.

Also words are a bloody GIFT, USE THEM. It's like the gift/skill of reading, you didn't spend years learning how to read and write properly just to use some sort of butchered and mangled *******ization of the language just so you can POSSIBLY get your opinion down faster. This (well in this case) is a forum not the tangled horror of exchange known as the NASDAQ or a debating Senate.

And we wonder why the older generations are afraid of the future.....

Whilst all that you say is verily accurate, I would recommend you do some research into communication studies. Methods of communication adapt to the situation. You wouldn't speak to a toddler in the way you would speak to your peers, and you wouldn't speak to your peers in the manner that you speak to your superiors. Likewise, you wouldn't communicate via cell phone the same way you would communicate on a forum's intellectual discussion board.

Therefore, I object to your statement and as such quote the well-known adage...

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

[TheMuffinMan]

I wouldn't say that I automatically assume they have no education, that would be too extreme of an assumption to make, however when I see people typing improperly and not spelling words correctly I most certainly think less of them. If they don't see it worth their time to spell properly and I have to decipher everything they say, it's an insult to everyone having to read what they type, and to their own intelligence. I wouldn't say anyone assumes that they have absolutely no education, but you certainly don't come off in a good light if you're not respecting yourself and those around you by atleast making an effort in typing.

The only time I really accept people's usage of "text speak" is when actually typing on a Cell Phone, where spelling complete words is not only a tiring process, but depending on your text plan will cost you more money based on how many characters you're using. So, for these reasons I can understand when people text me with shortened and abbreviated words to save time and the trouble of slaving on the phone keys to spell properly, but when it comes to a computer when you have a full keyboard in front of you, continuing to use text speak is just laziness.

[Destined]

Honestly, it really annoys me whenever i get a text that appears to be in some sort of computer virus but is a message that could have easily been called to me in the same amount of time it took to type it all out.

I text with full diction. No cutting corners unless it's adding a number instead of typing it. and if i had to pay for my texts, i'd use every freaking slot to get my message across.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's convenient for those who text 24/7, but I personally hate it.

[Zandyne]

Whilst all that you say is verily accurate, I would recommend you do some research into communication studies. Methods of communication adapt to the situation. You wouldn't speak to a toddler in the way you would speak to your peers, and you wouldn't speak to your peers in the manner that you speak to your superiors. Likewise, you wouldn't communicate via cell phone the same way you would communicate on a forum's intellectual discussion board.

Therefore, I object to your statement and as such quote the well-known adage...

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

TITISW? tl;dr kthxbai

Well someone didn't fully read my post, and research into communication studies? Interesting choice or words, however forgive my preference on choosing "in my honest opinion" over "IMHO" when there is veritable time to type it out and no letter-cost strings attached (as said in my original post). Also if toddlers (or anyone for that matter) can fully employ cell-phones texting options they need to understand what the abbreviated versions mean and if they are supplied with unlimited texting and full miniature keyboards (for whatever reason this toddler has something like that, I will never know) they would typically be encouraged by their parents to use proper sentences (or at least I would believe of nurturing parents caring for a growing child). In which case the child could....dial the number and speak verbally, but I know this is a rather unique concept of communication when using a phone.

I never said nor implied any point pertaining to how one speaks comparatively from one individual to another. I also mentioned the valid points and instances for abridging one's words and excusing them, however briefly I may have stated it. (Please reread my original post if you are confused).

Also I partially object to your last statement, though we ideally wish for people to comment intelligently on the intellectual part of the board, you (on average) do not have to scroll very far to see mincing of the English language. Ironically, even in the first posts on this board you can see some of these grievous errors/neglects of basic English for reasons you and I may never know. (I may sound picky, but I can easily over look the occassional error, but some of them are riddled with numerous and silly mistakes.)

The way I view text chat is that they are spelling many things wrong on purpose, by the time I finish coercing my brain into translating whatever was texted I am in no mood to reply to it or my respect for that person drops down a notch in terms of their grasp of the English language (however relative to their phone plan as I understand it). I don't want a "oi, meet @ SB? @ 2 4 lnch" in my box, I'd rather have a to-the-point, "--- want to meet up at Starbucks at 2:00 for lunch?" and if the "arm-and'-leg for text words" exists, a voice mail or call would more than suffice (the main reason why we have portable/cell phones).

Basically what I am trying to say about texting is, if you are chopping up your sentences "because they are too long" just so you can text, what is preventing you from CALLING this person? And texting in class is not proper at all (I rebuke any person who texts when they should be listening unless that teacher happens to literally be an axe murderer), texting for a quick bit of information in a Library (or some other location where silence is necessary) I will concede is fine and even then having more details proves to be for your benefit:
"pg 4 hw?" vs "Page for math homework?"/ "What page was the math homework on?"

-but having ENTIRE conversations when one is otherwise able to move to another location where talking is acceptable? That is called a "social disconnect" (yes gasp in offense from my accusations avid texters!). Also I'm not barring anyone from using their precious tidbits of marred "omg hi" and replies of "o hi" instead of a simple phone call, or dare I say meeting up, but I'm merely sharing my opinion of this to the original post ("Do you think someone who uses "text chat" is stupid?") to which I heartily say "Why yes I do -unless they are in a life-and-death situation and they for some reason must contact help using crapped up words-." (Especially on the internet.) There are several other ways to communicate with a cell phone (one of the most common occurrences of text chat) which make the texting option obsolete most of the time save for the one or two instances when "we need" to get a quick check on information.

Anyway if I missed addressing any of your points do tell me. But maybe I should do more research on this subject!

(I'm not even going to begin to comment on your usage of the adage as the implications of what you are hinting at scares me if it is indeed what I am thinking. Also, cell PHONES are meant for talking, not texting, I don't know if that counts as a fact though, maybe I have to do more research. Then again we slap on so many extra features onto a phone it's disturbing, such as....music, net explorer, and other untold horrors.)

[Repliku]

Hmm, I suppose to me that the answer is 'it depends on WHERE' they are text talking. If it's over a phone where text costs money, sure, it's appropriate. If it's for cute little sayings and such, sure, I don't consider that dumb either.

Now, when it becomes annoying and I start doubting intelligence is when I see from someone all the time text talk. I.e. I don't want to read endless text talk from someone when I am trying to talk with them seriously over something on a chat channel or forums. It shows an ignorance and I can't help that it really does come across that the person is dumb. It's not right, but if that is -all- I see from the person in serious topics, it just kills it for me.

Another place it doesn't belong which kids try to get away with is in school. Sure, on book covers and stuff, why not? But it does not belong on -homework-. There are people that actually try to do this and it just is ridiculous. It implies to anyone that they did not try to do this assignment seriously and took it as a lethargic joke. Perhaps I'm anal over such things because I was raised that if I put my name on some project I did I should have pride in that work. I'd rather not do the assignment at all than put text type on an assignment.

So, really in the end, I'm not against people using text talk itself, but I think people need to learn where it is appropriate. It's kind of like saying profane words. There is a time and a place for text talk, just as there's a time and place for crass language. There are also times you don't do these certain behaviors and it's just in the wrong audience. I sometimes type out text talk on phones or do cute expressions with it amongst friends but when I'm being serious or cordial to others it just does not belong. Hope this makes sense because in the right environment it works. In the wrong area it really does make people seem dumb, self-absorbed and witless.

[Mielé]

i liek txt tlk all th tiem cuz its rly cool u kno?
no srsly (lol did it again) its cause i'm lazy and it becomes habit when i type on a keyboard, and secondly, so tht i don't waste money when txting to people on my cell

[Soushirei]

Like most have mentioned, cell phones I can handle since in most cases, you're pressed for time or it's far too cumbersome to be typing words out completely--even if I still do that on a cell phone anyway.

I agree with TMM that I don't automatically assume they're not educated, but it does make me think less of them. It's subtle, but in an online medium such as instant messaging, I'd prefer it if you actually took some time and get off your ass to type out the words properly. It's showing a sense of respect to the people you're talking to, and there's no excuse to be using 'shortcuts' when time isn't an issue. This is particularly more relevant with forum posts, yet it still happens. University professors stress it all the time to students during opening lectures that if they want to ask them a question through email, they are expected to use proper spelling and grammar; the reasons for doing this are exactly the same.

Don't get me wrong, I use a select few 'txt tlk' phrases myself over MSN mostly because the connotation I'm trying to convey is better communicated using the abbreviation rather than typing everything out, but even then, those are among close friends.

Just as how one usually speaks more politely to strangers they haven't met before, I believe there is an etiquette with text speak as well. It's completely irritating to have someone just type out garbage to you during your first conversation.

[Erkz]

...
... your post makes my brain hurt. Ow. I couldn't speedread that monstrousity at all. Anyway, at least we know where we both stand. And I do agree with you. Except the life-or-death thing may be a bit too harsh.

But honestly, do you really judge people like that? Do you really think that a person is stupid because they use txt tlk or chat-speak? Because, alot of people in my year at school use chat-speak, and they're definitely not stupid. Which brings back the topic.

"Does it make you seem stupid."

No. It makes you look like a big n00b when used at the wrong place at the wrong time. Like a public forum. However, most people jump to the conclusion that n00bs are stupid, and as such, people have come to associate anything n00bish with anything stupid. You were a n00b once, were you not? Were you a stupid n00b? I think not. Hell, I was a n00b, and I made Coder.

And, yes, if you're thinking that I'm thinking what I think that you think I'm thinking, the adage did mean that. Then again, you seem to dislike contractions of any sort, so, to each his own, I guess.

i liek txt tlk all th tiem cuz its rly cool u kno?
no srsly (lol did it again) its cause i'm lazy and it becomes habit when i type on a keyboard, and secondly, so tht i don't waste money when txting to people on my cell
... You make lazy people look bad. =|

[Zandyne]

... your post makes my brain hurt. Ow. I couldn't speedread that monstrousity at all. Anyway, at least we know where we both stand. And I do agree with you. Except the life-or-death thing may be a bit too harsh.

But honestly, do you really judge people like that? Do you really think that a person is stupid because they use txt tlk or chat-speak? Because, alot of people in my year at school use chat-speak, and they're definitely not stupid. Which brings back the topic.

"Does it make you seem stupid."

No. It makes you look like a big n00b when used at the wrong place at the wrong time. Like a public forum. However, most people jump to the conclusion that n00bs are stupid, and as such, people have come to associate anything n00bish with anything stupid. You were a n00b once, were you not? Were you a stupid n00b? I think not. Hell, I was a n00b, and I made Coder.

And, yes, if you're thinking that I'm thinking what I think that you think I'm thinking, the adage did mean that. Then again, you seem to dislike contractions of any sort, so, to each his own, I guess.



(If that one hurt your brain, here's some more reading pain. Please try to read more carefully this time.)

Given that this is a debate forum speed-reading might not be the best way to go about when attempting to rebut or otherwise "call someone" on their point of view. That being said and to address your question, why yes using minced words does make someone seem stupid, or at least from my perspective (and it doesn't help whatever impression they were trying to make if they were text chatting on purpose).

And "life-and-death" thing a bit too harsh? If you read what I typed properly I was saying "if it's to save your very life, use TEXT CHAT", but maybe your speed-reading missed that, I don't know for certain. But the thing is that Text Chat is cutting corners, and when talking to someone one doesn't usually cut corners, unless of course you cut corners with your friends then be my guest. (Cutting corners when speaking with friends is like cutting corners when you're giving them something, say a gift, you wouldn't give them something that's been USED...and if you do, wow.)

I will repeat what I have been trying to say.

Example:
2day i wnt 2 shp 2 by mor fod
vs
Today I went to the shop to buy more food.

Now both can be written by the same person, but WHICH in all honesty sounds more intelligent? If you say the first one we both have very different perceptions of intelligence. Hands down the sentence that is typed properly will sound more intelligent (but that could JUST BE ME).

Also the meaning of contractions is that one abridges one letter between two words to make them "one word" as taught by school and other academic facilities (do not = don't, should not = shouldn't) and the other "contraction" you are suggesting shears off entire WORDS (see example) as well as possibly using acronyms (tl;dr, IDK and others). The only exception to the rule I can think of that would still fall under text chat that is semi-acceptable would be emoticons because text words do not convey emotion and even then I don't consider those to be a mark of great textual worth. (Especially '^_^' a plague upon anyone who wants to be taken seriously with that thing in their words)

Also do you know the connotations of 'n00b'? Being a 'n00b' means you are a NEWBIE (which is where the word 'n00b' comes from) which means inexperienced, not to be held accountable for their actions and ignorant which is, last I checked the opposite of being intelligent (which makes 'n00b' accurate to the word it is based on). And yes we were all newbies at one point but you are supposed to surpass your previous newbie-dom as soon as possible shouldn't you (unless of course you like not being held accountable)? Also, though it may surprise you, some people can actually type in full and coherent sentences after being introduced to a keyboard! They may type slower but they can still type nonetheless! (Given the typing speed you can gain from typing properly, even more people should be encouraged not to use "TXT CHT.")

To quote a professor, "If you have something important to say on your cell phone, dial the number and TALK, your friend isn't going to die just because you didn't send them an 'lol hi' to READ on their precious cell-phone screen!"

As for your adage, I say the implications were terrifying as you are saying you support "tlking lik tis" to "talking like this" for the some lame excuse that you're saving time or space as well as saying "well you don't need to type smart to sound sound" which in text chat would be "u no hav 2 b smrt 2 sond smrt". Quite frankly I find that horrifying unless you're stuck in a dangerous situation. Sitting in a hallway (or in class) and texting because you are bored is not an example of a life-threatening situation. And if the texts cost a lot of money...you could always...*gasp* call this person!

PS: We all judge people, people who say they don't aren't being honest. We judge on appearance, demeanor, habits, mannerisms, speech, tone, speech content and several other factors that we, as individuals value on a personal level. I happen to judge people on how they type and how well they happen to read/interpret information, but I guess my opinion is just too HARSH.

[Xephos]

The weird part at my school was when a teacher finds them texting or using the phone, the people would refuse and then some would give up or some go referals and then they came back to school to get caught and then they got expelled and then they came back and then police arrested them. -_-;; seems like a cycle if you ask me but there is an ending.

[Erkz]

...

This one didn't hurt actually, I do believe that it was a lack of sleep that caused any pains earlier. Please, disregard my earlier comment.

... With regard to the manner of your post, however, I say this. Don't get your knickers in a knot. Seriously. Or use all-caps to stress on words when there's bold-face available. Gives on the impression you're yelling at them. *cough*

Anyway, all you've done is prove [or tried to prove, at least] that a basic grasp of grammatical and communicational skills seems to be more intelligent than the communication of someone who has obviously acquired a grasp of the language to the extent that they can contract it and still get their point across.

Also, while your definition of "Contraction" holds true to some extent, the fundamental definiton of "Contraction" is "That which is contracted". To "Contract", would be to shorten or abbrieviate something. In this case, words. Hence, chat-speak still falls under the definition of "contraction".

There is a difference between a Newbie, and a n00b, said difference being defined by cultural associations. A 'newbie', is, as you put it, a novice at something. A 'n00b', is generally a more arrogant, egotistical newbie, who can often be heard spouting hot air at any given chance.

Another interesting point. What processes data faster? Your eye, which processes data at the speed of light, or your ear, which processes data at the speed of sound? Any given person can read an amount of words that equates to more than double the lyrics of their favorite song while listening to it.

And no. I do not support 'tlking lik dis' to 'talking like this'. Then again, phonetically, there is no difference besides a strange accent, so... I'll assume you meant typing, and there wasn't an easy way to shorten 'typing'. The answer is still no. Not on a public forum at least.

One more thing. Cost is but a minor factor in whole txt tlk thing. Text messages were originally limited to 244 characters in length, and as such, the need arose for short messages that could completely convey their message. Also, say you're in a movie theater, and the need arises for you to communicate with someone. Yet you don't want to miss the movie. What do you do?

Yes, we all judge. Without judgement, decisions cannot be made, and the very fabric of our existance crumbles. Either way, there are many kinds of judgement, and they lead to different things. Harsh judgement leads to oppression, unfair judgement leads to tyranny, the list goes on. One must learn... to judge wisely.

Enjoy your day~! ^.^

PS - Less intelligent does not mean stupid.

[Crumpet]

Hmm, I suppose to me that the answer is 'it depends on WHERE' they are text talking. If it's over a phone where text costs money, sure, it's appropriate. If it's for cute little sayings and such, sure, I don't consider that dumb either.

Now, when it becomes annoying and I start doubting intelligence is when I see from someone all the time text talk. I.e. I don't want to read endless text talk from someone when I am trying to talk with them seriously over something on a chat channel or forums. It shows an ignorance and I can't help that it really does come across that the person is dumb. It's not right, but if that is -all- I see from the person in serious topics, it just kills it for me.

Another place it doesn't belong which kids try to get away with is in school. Sure, on book covers and stuff, why not? But it does not belong on -homework-. There are people that actually try to do this and it just is ridiculous. It implies to anyone that they did not try to do this assignment seriously and took it as a lethargic joke. Perhaps I'm anal over such things because I was raised that if I put my name on some project I did I should have pride in that work. I'd rather not do the assignment at all than put text type on an assignment.

So, really in the end, I'm not against people using text talk itself, but I think people need to learn where it is appropriate. It's kind of like saying profane words. There is a time and a place for text talk, just as there's a time and place for crass language. There are also times you don't do these certain behaviors and it's just in the wrong audience. I sometimes type out text talk on phones or do cute expressions with it amongst friends but when I'm being serious or cordial to others it just does not belong. Hope this makes sense because in the right environment it works. In the wrong area it really does make people seem dumb, self-absorbed and witless.

i agree... it does depend on where you do it... over the fone is fine, hhonestly i have no problem (except when i cant understand) other places it depends on what your saying... i mean saying "u suk big tyme", that like died years ago ... in the way of big small text like "yOu SuCk BiG tImE", if you saying stuff like lol wtf omg etc, then well that's acceptable everybody knows what your saying (except parents) and in where you say it shows what type of person you are.

You just have to keep with the times, like one day, our way of talking won't be "in"anymore and some other talk will,

I'm not saying don't follow every trend but you know, learn the talk

[Jordier0xs0x]

Text talk doesn't mean you are stupid, someone could be highly Intelligent but just wants to use text talk because they really cant be bothered typing normally.
A lot of people, now this Is just what I have experienced, use text talk because they want to seem cool. Others use text talk because they cant spell very good and want to hide that fact.

Text talk doesn't bother me, Its their choice If they want to use text talk, thats fine.
We're all people and make different choices, someone who says another Is stupid because they don't type normally obviously are stupid them selfs and don't see or look into why the other person uses text talk.

[Luka]

meh txt talk is for people who are too lazy to type out the full words
which i don't get when using "u" "r" or "4" >>
oh and i rememberd thinking i was cool when i txt talked in german <>;

[Zandyne]

This one didn't hurt actually, I do believe that it was a lack of sleep that caused any pains earlier. Please, disregard my earlier comment.

... With regard to the manner of your post, however, I say this. Don't get your knickers in a knot. Seriously. Or use all-caps to stress on words when there's bold-face available. Gives on the impression you're yelling at them. *cough*

Anyway, all you've done is prove [or tried to prove, at least] that a basic grasp of grammatical and communicational skills seems to be more intelligent than the communication of someone who has obviously acquired a grasp of the language to the extent that they can contract it and still get their point across.

Also, while your definition of "Contraction" holds true to some extent, the fundamental definiton of "Contraction" is "That which is contracted". To "Contract", would be to shorten or abbrieviate something. In this case, words. Hence, chat-speak still falls under the definition of "contraction".

There is a difference between a Newbie, and a n00b, said difference being defined by cultural associations. A 'newbie', is, as you put it, a novice at something. A 'n00b', is generally a more arrogant, egotistical newbie, who can often be heard spouting hot air at any given chance.

Another interesting point. What processes data faster? Your eye, which processes data at the speed of light, or your ear, which processes data at the speed of sound? Any given person can read an amount of words that equates to more than double the lyrics of their favorite song while listening to it.

And no. I do not support 'tlking lik dis' to 'talking like this'. Then again, phonetically, there is no difference besides a strange accent, so... I'll assume you meant typing, and there wasn't an easy way to shorten 'typing'. The answer is still no. Not on a public forum at least.

One more thing. Cost is but a minor factor in whole txt tlk thing. Text messages were originally limited to 244 characters in length, and as such, the need arose for short messages that could completely convey their message. Also, say you're in a movie theater, and the need arises for you to communicate with someone. Yet you don't want to miss the movie. What do you do?

Yes, we all judge. Without judgement, decisions cannot be made, and the very fabric of our existance crumbles. Either way, there are many kinds of judgement, and they lead to different things. Harsh judgement leads to oppression, unfair judgement leads to tyranny, the list goes on. One must learn... to judge wisely.

Enjoy your day~! ^.^

PS - Less intelligent does not mean stupid.

I think it is quite amusing that you automatically assume I am angry, and I find your Caps vs. bold statement also amusing, if it makes you feel better I will go back and re-bold my short bursts of Caps letters, actually on second thought in a formal conversation I would have still "shouted" those words, because my silent text perhaps isn't conveying the meaning. Also this is a debate corner where one has to be thorough in their points, if they aren't their points will then collapse.

Also for your sake I have looked up the meaning of contraction:

con·trac·tion Audio Help /kənˈtrækʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kuhn-trak-shuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. an act or instance of contracting.
2. the quality or state of being contracted.
3. a shortened form of a word or group of words, with the omitted letters often replaced in written English by an apostrophe, as e'er for ever, isn't for is not, dep't for department.
4. Physiology. the change in a muscle by which it becomes thickened and shortened.
5. a restriction or withdrawal, as of currency or of funds available as call money.
6. a decrease in economic and industrial activity (opposed to expansion).

I will also restate that dep't/dept. for department is an acknowledged contraction, "lik" from "like" is not (formally recognized anyway as a sign of proper wording).

As for your 244 characters statement, you could just as easily use a phone to speak verbally and even then 244 is more than enough space to get your main point across...if not, why aren't you using your phone's primary function? Also, in the movie theater? You could do the more socially connected option and....perhaps call the friend, or if you are meeting them, wait outside the theater. But then again that is a personal preference, you can go sit inside the theater if that is your personal choice. Also, one must write/type it for it to be read whereas the 'sound' would technically be immediate in that you talk as one hears (if you have no signal you wouldn't be able to send the text anyway).

Also judgment is just that, if the person who texts you broken phrases but later proves to be quite intelligent otherwise you will assume laziness. But if that person always texts in broken phrases and speaks in broken phrases, the "lack of a better grasp on English" is only enforced. There is a difference between bad judgment, hasty judgment and correct judgment, it all depends on the individual.

Where can I find the 'n00b' definition (as in an actually credited source) as you have so eloquently stated as that being the meaning? As far as I have heard it 'n00b' has the same meaning as newbie save for different spellings and the phonetic difference when spoken.

Back on topic, I still will take the more articulate sentence over the text chat. I will also probably trust the more articulate sentence over the text chat 99.9% of the time. Full sentences with full words are serious business. ]8<<

[Erkz]

=o I dunno, maybe you can ask the person who made up 'pwned!'. It's a social concept.

>=| And yes, full sentences with full words to convey full meaning are fully recognized as serious business.

... and I still don't get why we're continuing this arguement. <.< I'm not trying to prove that txt tlk is better than standard English, I'm trying to prove that they each have their appropriate place and times for use, and hence that the use of either shouldn't be discriminated against.

[Royale]

I don't automatically assume the person that is text talking is stupid, but I'm certainly not going to talk to the person, only because text talk is one of the most annoying things.

But if you're on a phone, it's excusable. Using a phone is different than having a keyboard right in front of you, as it takes longer to type out complete words on phone, and costs money.

[Advent]

Depends on the extent.

Example 1
hey wassup, im new 2 these forums, how r u?

Example 2
h3y wa55up 1m n3w 2 th353 l337 f0rum5, h0w r j00!???!?!111 lulz

Obviously one is worse than the other. The text talk I observe on these forums is mostly bearable, but I've seen much worse on other forums. *Everyone looks at 4chan*

[Xegreny]

Guys, here's a hint. The answer is yes.

Text talk is made for, and should only be used in, texts. >_>

The only exceptions are ridiculously popular ones, like Lol, and such that are more of a word, then a texting abbreviation. >:

[Asterisk]

If used to a very high extent,yes.

if only once in a while its fine..

[Forever Love]

Oh, no. Txt tlk doesn't really make anyone stupid. Sometimes people do it for fun and others do it because it's faster. Quite honestly, I don't text, so I'm not exactly one to talk. However, just because you abbreviate or shorten words like "you are" to "ur" doesn't make you stupid. It's really no big deal. So, I'd have to disagree and say it doesn't make you look like anything negative. Such as stupid, like you said.

-Kairi

[Aura]

I never text talk.When I'm texting to a friend or something every word is spelled correctly.I don't know why but I just do it.

Doing it once in a while is ok but if they do it repeatedly is not ok.My friend sometimes text talks.I find it annoying.Some people are just too lazy to spell the whole word.Like my friend.But maybe others just do it by accident.

[P]

Yes. Whenever I see someone on this forum text talk, I think far less of them. If someone cannot make the effort to add a few extra letters, I feel that I should not bother to read it.

Hell, I know I am not a spelling expert. Which is why I go to the effort of getting a spellchecker for the browser. I have a problem, but I make an effort to deal with it.

But this is just on the forums.

Like Erkz saiid, they have different uses at different times. The thing is, when I start using leet speak in a legal document, or start writing essays on my phone, something has gone wrong.

My time on the internet has given me a knee jerk reaction to txt tlk. If I see it, I think less of someone. I cannot help it.

A swift "meet u at da corna of flt st." is difficult to understand, but acceptable on a phone.

Having a post/essay in that syle makes me loose faith in humanity.

If I am meant to take time reading it, I want to have someone take time writing it. Fair enough, right?

[kaseykockroach]

Depends. If they're posting text talk in Intelligent Discussion, the person is obviously none too bright. But anywhere else, text talk is fine with me.

[Heaven's Angel]

honestly what do you think?
do you think that by using text talk you think someone does not have an education?

my opinion: no it just means either 1 of three things..
1.) they're lazy
2.) they just accidentally got into the habit
3.) all of the above

I actually have to disagree with that... I mean, I have A's and B's on every report card, but I text talk all the time. To me, it's just a quicker, faster way to send messages to people, especially if you're using a keyboard that takes forever to type, and u may become impatient. It shortens the words making them easier to read and such. It's also just another way of abbreviating words. Plus, text talk is often used for texting, which I have to do all the time since I don't have free calling, but i have unlimited texting. And, yes, some people do use it to sneak by teachers and text in class as well (but I just talk in class ._.) Either way, text talk is mainly just a simple, quick way to spell out words where people can still read them. ^^

[TheMuffinMan]

I mean, I have A's and B's on every report card, but I text talk all the time.

Report Cards basically grade you on your ability to follow orders, not legitimately know information, or general intelligence.

Regardless:

To me, it's just a quicker, faster way to send messages to people, especially if you're using a keyboard that takes forever to type, and u may become impatient

The fact that you have a full keyboard in front of you should not make it take forever to type. If you're using all of about 9 number keys on a phone, then yes it's understandable how difficult spelling out entire words can be when abbreviations gets the point across, but when you have an entire full keyboard in front of you there is absolutely no excuse.

[Repliku]

The point is when you have a computer to type at, typing txt talk is not going to be faster than typing regularly unless you really suck at typing. The phones, sure I can see it but to txt talk when on a keyboard for everything you say...it is an excuse of lethargy and so it does show if that's all you type in that there is a serious lack of caring about anyone else that has to struggle reading it.

As I said before, I have no problem with it being done now and then in the right setting, but on a forums where people should -think- before they hit the submit reply button...it just cries out rudeness in some forums and all if this is what people see. Especially when someone is typing all angry and uses it as a way to emphasize themselves. Then it really makes the person look stupid; not just lazy.

Also, you may get As and Bs in school but I bet it's because you don't write reports in text type or do homework that way. If you did write txt type on homework, your teachers should be flogged for giving such grades. So the point is that to type fully in circumstances where it would be considered annoying to others to have to waste time deciphering just seems to be the polite thing to do. For fun, there's nothing wrong with it, but it really does in the wrong places make someone look like they are either lazy or lame.

[Revelry]

nope. They can be educated...I usually determine someone's education on WHAT they say rather than HOW they say it. Then again if you see people in real-life using text talk (not typing it, but actually speaking it) "LIKE O-M-G GUYZ!" then yeah, I'd look at you and think "dumbass"

[Dove Syndrome]

I don't think that people are stupid when there using text talk when they should only use it in: texting. It's when people actually speak it or use it on fourms is when I think less of them.

[Sanda]

honestly what do you think?
do you think that by using text talk you think someone does not have an education?

my opinion: no it just means either 1 of three things..
1.) they're lazy
2.) they just accidentally got into the habit
3.) all of the above

To answer the question being asked in the thread's title [does text talk make you seem stupid?]

No.


Key word being SEEM.
See, I happen to know an impossibly smart guy that likes 2 talk like this bc it is just how he talks online. & there is nothing wrong with that in AIM/MSN as far as I'm concerned. I cannot stand seeing that stuff in forums though. That is when it bugs me.

There are acronyms which people use too, like ATM, WTF, LOL BTW etc...Those are alright in my book. I am guilty of using some of those myself.

I dunno, I think 2 much txt talk does look pretty stupid but it does not nessicarily mean that its author is as unintelligent as they make it seem, as hard to believe as that is...

[Xaale]

I only use text talk when I am texting. I say lol on forums and stuff, but never text talk. Text talk is effcient for texting, but just plain stupid on the forums.

The only text talk you'll catch me saying on this forums is:

kthnxcyal8r. Lol I love that.

[Reptar :D]

Well if you have fabulous long nails (like me) i should use txt talk

[Flamedancer]

I don't use text talk, not even when I'm actually texting, save for the very generic substitutions while using a phone. And I will use BTW every now and again. But I'm not a big believer in it.

[Lady Beatrice]

Not to me, no...Unless you use it like an addict and you never stop. Like:

"OMG LYK I G2G TTYL ILY!" 24/7...
That's a bit annoying and ignorant, to me.

[*Hippie Jesus*]

When your using a cell phone or typing the computer I don't think it does but if it becomes a habit and you use it during school or important documents oh hell it does

[Ghetto]

txt tlk is for text messaging
amirite?

[Wisdom Form Guy]

Personally,I don't think anyone here would sound stupid using it.It is just quicker.Never use in school though.

[Dredica]

I hate it when people email you and do the text writing crap, whatever the hell it's called >_> I always correct them and tell them to use grammar, and they tell me to shut the f*ck up! Grammar is what America needs to use. Then people use it on papers? Like on notes they say, "OMG!" and "lol". God.

[Wisdom Form Guy]

I hate it when people email you and do the text writing crap, whatever the hell it's called >_> I always correct them and tell them to use grammar, and they tell me to shut the f*ck up! Grammar is what America needs to use. Then people use it on papers? Like on notes they say, "OMG!" and "lol". God.

LOL.I felt that way when I first saw LOL.

[DPWolf]

I'm sorry, but txt talk = fail.
Especially when you're trying to tell someone something rather important, and they reply, "I dun no wt ur tlkng bt."

VOWELS ARE IN OUR ALPHABET FOR A REASON.

And it really looks bad on forums, since most everyone else is typing in coherent English sentences and you get someone going, "lol wow r u stupid" or something like that.

...Or someone going, "hiiiiiiii :)" or "can i join". You get my point. :3

[P]

I am okay with FTW, WTF, GTFO, STFU, LOL, ROFL, LMAO or G2G.

They are acronyms. But having words mutilated is worse.

I dunno why, but that is how I view it.

[Sanda]

txt tlk is for text messaging
amirite?

Nuuu UR DOIN IT RONG.


Sorry, couldn't resist...
I think I already posted here a while back saying that it has nothing to do with actual intelligence, as I have seen several kids who are geniouses typ lik dis. That being said, as people become increasingly cryptic with their "abbrevs" I find it hard to even read stuff sometimes ):


Never use in school though.

Yeahhh for sure. Because quite honestly, the colloquial BS that kids slip into "formal" essays is nauseating enough, let alone texting lingo.

[{feel.the.wrath}]

I think in certain situtations, yes. But not all the time. It does if:

1.) Out loud you say, "Lyke, OMG! WTF?"
2.) You overuse it, and use it in everything.

But if you don't overuse it, I think it's fine.

[P]

As a joke, I have started using the words, lol, ftw, wtf, rofl, lmao, stfu, gtfo in Real life.

Not seriously, but as an obvious joke. Although the habit's growing on me.

[yellowbird91]

i would say no because its so much easier to talk like that

[Royale]

Well, if you use it when its not even convinent, then its just annoying =/ But if it saves time, then go for it =/

[PAW]

It's more like learning a new language. All I really know is 'u' and thats it, I can't be bothered talking like that, most of the kids in my school who do talk like that generally fail exams because they can't tell the difference between real english and text talk.
It can save time when sending messages, it can even hide messages away from people who can't talk text talk, but everyone who knows text talk should know english before anything else or they will fail life.