ayy lmao

English

Etymology

Associated with image macros of aliens, the first attested around early 2013, the phrase sharing the first syllable /ˈeɪ.l/ with alien.

Noun

ayy lmao (plural ayy lmaos)

1. (Internet slang, text messaging, humorous) An alien.
   • 2014 August 28, anonymous author, “ITT: Your Favorite Computer Brand”, in 4chan‎^[1], /g/:

     I've never actually used Alienware, and I don't actually care about people's favorite brands, I just want to start an ayy lmao thread.

   • 2016 December 7, anonymous author, 4chan‎^[2], /k/:

     Would it be possible to win against an ayy lmao invasion?

   • 2023 December 17, /u/mrbucket08, “Is there a way to know if an Alien Ruler is in the area? I’ve killed the Archon King, now I need to finish off the Viper King and Berserker Queen”, in Reddit‎^[3], /r/Xcom:

     The number of ayy lmaos on the shadow chamber seems too small for the mission

Phrase

ayy lmao (dated)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see ayy,‎ LMAO.

Further reading

• “Ayy LMAO”, in Know Your Meme, launched 2007