A Glossary of Netspeak and Textspeak

Have you been flamed recently? Or pinged? Or felt 404? Do you know the difference between a MUD and a MOO? Or between a WAP and a Wisp? Can you translate 8-0? Or cu4T?

This exciting glossary provides all the answers. It includes an A to Z of the jargon entering the English language with the rise of the Internet and cell phone technology, and it gives a dictionary-style treatment of those Internet terms that have begun to change their meaning in colloquial speech. Along with a definition, each of these entries contains a set of illustrations showing contemporary usage, helping you to understand and -- if you wish -- to participate in the cool communication of the electronic age. The book also contains a comprehensive guide to the special languages that have developed within electronic media -- smileys and text messaging -- and a complete listing of Internet domain names.

Have you been flamed recently? Or pinged? Or felt 404? This exciting glossary provides all the answers. It includes an A to Z of the jargon entering the English language with the rise of the Internet and cell phone technology, and it gives a dictionary-style treatment of those Internet terms that have begun to change their meaning in colloquial speech. Entries include illustrations showing contemporary usage, helping you to participate in the cool communication of the electronic age.

David Crystal is the author of Language and the Internet and more than fifty books on the English language and linguistics, as well as being a dictionary writer. He has been a consultant, contributor, or presenter on several radio and television programs, including the BBC program "The Story of English."