A term used to justify ridiculous, pointless and occasionally gratuitous behaviour.

(“For the Lulz” n.d.)

This can be the end of it; doing something innocuous or mildly annoying to get a rise from someone. However, it can also be a dog whistle for worse behaviors.

Saying you’ve “done it for the lulz” can communicate two things to two different groups:

  1. To those outside your group: I was kidding! Can’t you take a joke? It’s not serious. Etc.
  2. To those in your group: I’m serious. It’s hilarious that anyone would think I was kidding.

Also see The card says moops.

Bibliography

“For the Lulz.” n.d. Urban Dictionary. Accessed June 26, 2022. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=For%20the%20lulz.