This code “23333” is a very specific way of saying that we're laughing, and it actually has a rather surprising history.
A little detour via China
The “23333” was not born by chance. It has its roots in Chinese web culture, more precisely on a very popular old forum called Mop. There, the number 233 emoji represented a hilarious character, literally doubled over with laughter on the floor. Little by little, Internet users began Simply type “233” to evoke this fit of laughter. And as is often the case on the internet, with each additional degree of intensity… a number is added. “2333”, then “23333”, to indicate that we are laughing really hard. It’s a code similar to “hahaha” or “LOL” (Laughing Out Loud) in our country.
Today, this code is sometimes used on WhatsApp, especially by those familiar with the codes of Asian digital culture. It’s quick, expressive, and visually evocative. Rather than searching for the right words to say you find something hilarious, just type in a few numbers.
What he said about our online conversations
Codes like “23333” show the extent to which our online exchanges have invented their own grammar, based on abbreviations, emojis, or numbers. We go faster, but we remain expressive. It's a way of adapting language to the constraints of writing, while maintaining emotion, tone, and complicity.
But be careful: these codes are not always universal. If your interlocutor doesn't know the reference, they may look at you askance. That's why it's important to understand where these expressions come from, as they are often loaded with a very specific cultural context.
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