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Key points for interpreting leetspeek
•
Numbers are often used as letters. The term "leet" could be written as
"1337," with "1" replacing the letter L, "3" posing as a backwards letter E, and
"7" resembling the letter T. Others include "8" replacing the letter B, "9" used
as a G, "0" (zero) in lieu of O, and so on.
•
Non-alphabet characters can be used to replace the letters they
resemble. For example, "5" or even "$" can replace the letter S. Applying
this style, the word "leetspeek" can be written as "133t5p33k" or even
"!337$p34k," with "4" replacing the letter A.
•
Letters can be substituted for other letters that may sound alike.
Using "Z" for a final letter S, and "X" for words ending in the letters C or K
is common. For example, leetspeekers might refer to their computer "5x1llz"
(skills).
•
Rules of grammar are rarely obeyed. Some leetspeekers will capitalize
every letter except for vowels (LiKe THiS) and otherwise reject conventional
English style and grammar, or drop vowels from words (such as converting
very to "vry").
•
Mistakes are often left uncorrected. Common typing misspellings
(typos) such as "teh" instead of the are left uncorrected or sometimes
adopted to replace the correct spelling.
•
Non-alphanumeric characters may be combined to form letters. For
example, using slashes to create "/\/\" can substitute for the letter M, and two
pipes combined with a hyphen to form "|-|" is often used in place of the letter
H. Thus, the word ham could be written as "|-|4/\/\."
•
The suffix "0rz" is often appended to words for emphasis or to make them
plural. For example, "h4xx0rz," "sk1llz0rz," and "pwnz0rz," are plural or
emphasized versions (or both) of hacks, skills, and
owns.
It's important to remember that the leetspeek community encourages new forms
and awards individual creativity, resulting in a dynamic written language that
eludes conformity or consistency. However, there are a few standard terms. The
following is a sample of key words that haven't changed fundamentally (although
variations occur) since the invention of leetspeek. The first series is of
particular concern, as their use could be an indicator that your teenager
is involved in the theft of intellectual property, particularly licensed
software.
Leet words of concern or indicating possible illegal
activity:
•
"warez" or "w4r3z": Illegally copied software available for
download.
•
"h4x": Read as "hacks," or what a malicious computer hacker
does.
•
"pr0n": An anagram of "porn," possibly indicating the use of
pornography.
•
"sploitz" (short for exploits): Vulnerabilities in computer software
used by hackers.
•
"pwn": A typo-deliberate version of own, a slang term often
used to express superiority over others that can be used maliciously, depending
on the situation. This could also be spelled "0\/\/n3d" or
"pwn3d," among other variations. Online video game bullies or
"griefers" often use this term.
Other common leet words:
•
"kewl": A common derivation of "cool."
•
"m4d sk1llz" or "mad skills": Refers to one's own talent. "m4d" itself
is often used for emphasis.
•
"n00b," "noob," "newbie," or "newb": Combinations
synonymous with new user. Some leetspeekers view "n00b" as an insult and
"newbie" as an affectionate term for new users.
•
"w00t" or the smiley character \o/: An acronym that usually
means "We Own the Other Team," used to celebrate victory in a video
game.
•
"roxx0rs" Used in place of "rocks," typically to describe something
impressive.
•
"d00d": Replaces the greeting or addressing someone as a "dude."
•
"joo" and "u": Used instead of "you." This is also commonly
written as "j00" or "_|00."
•
"ph": often replaces "f," as in "phear" for "fear" (as in "ph34r my
l33t skillz") and vice versa, such as spelling "phonetic" as
"f0|\|371(."