what does lol mean

LOL is an initialism that stands for "laughing out loud." It is widely used in internet slang and text messaging to indicate amusement, humor, or laughter, though often it means a smile or mild amusement rather than literal loud laughter. The term originated in the 1980s and has since become common in online and even face-to-face communication. LOL can also be used ironically, sarcastically, or as a way to soften statements or show friendliness in digital conversations.