How to Respond to "LOL"

Co-authored by Joshua Pompey and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: October 26, 2022 References

If someone sends you a text that simply says “lol,” how should you respond? Whether you got the text from a friend or crush, we’re here to help you figure out what their text meant and how to use the context of the conversation to figure out the perfect response for every situation.

Section 1 of 2:

What does “lol” mean?

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They think your last text was funny. “Lol” literally means “laughing out loud.” If you shared a story, meme, joke, or photo and you get “lol” as a response, the person you texted is telling you that they think you’re funny. Now, the person might not actually be laughing out loud, but “lol” “LOL,” “LOLed” and “loling” generally indicate amusement.^{[1]
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- "Lol" can also be used just to acknowledge someone or something they said or to indicate a laid-back or chill vibe.
2
They’re acknowledging an awkward moment. Sometimes, “lol” is used to convey a mood rather than a specific phrase. If you just told someone about an embarrassing moment or mistake you made, they might use “lol” to show they empathize with what you’re going through.^{[2]
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3
They don’t have anything else to say. “Lol” is a common response when you’re not sure what else to say. If the person doesn’t know how to respond to your last message, they might just type these 3 letters.
4
They don’t want to continue the conversation. Sometimes, “lol” signals a lack of interest. If the person you’re texting uses one-word responses and doesn’t ask questions or put a lot of effort into chatting with you, they might use “lol” as a way to signal that they’re done talking…at least for now.^{[3]
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Section 2 of 2:

How to Reply to “lol”

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Send an emoji. If the person who sent you the message probably found your last message funny, an easy way to reply to this text is to send a happy or laughing emoji back. Try “😂” “🤣” or “😹”
2
Reply with lol. If you’re not sure what to say, just send “lol” back! Then, it’s up to them to figure out if and how to continue the conversation. You could also send “hehehe” or “hahaha.”
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Continue the conversation. Refer back to the message you sent before they replied with “lol” to keep chatting. Ask what they thought of your joke or story or see if they have any advice or input for you.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert
Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.}
- If you just told them about the ridiculous costume your mom bought for her dachshund and they replied with “lol,” say something like “You have got to see poor Pepper in this hot dog costume! It’s hilarious!”
4
Respond with a GIF or meme. Choose one that's related to the conversation, or just pick one you think is funny. GIFs and memes are easy ways to bring a smile to your friend or crush's face and are great to use when you don't quite know what to say.
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Change the subject. If you want to keep chatting with your crush or friend but aren’t sure how to reply, just bring up a new topic. Asking a question is a great way to keep the convo going.^{[5]
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- Say “So anyway, how was your day?” “Got any fun plans this weekend?” or “Your turn! What’s the best joke you’ve heard?”
6
Let the conversation end. You don’t have to reply to their message, especially if the person isn’t putting much effort into chatting. Just go about your day and text them again later if you have something to share or want to strike up a new convo.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Joshua Pompey
Relationship Expert
Expert Interview. 27 November 2019.}
- Don't worry if the conversational naturally dies out! You can always pique your crush's interest later with a new message. Give them a compliment or ask about something that's meaningful to them (from the lasted Drake single to the latest Dodgers game).

Community Q&A

Question

What if you sent a love text and she replied with Lol?

Community Answer

She may be embarrassed or unsure of your feelings. Talk to her in person if you're serious about her.