13337

1337, often pronounced "leet" or "elite," is a system of modified spellings used primarily on the internet. It originated in the early days of online bulletin board systems (BBS) and hacker culture, where users sought ways to circumvent word filters or simply to distinguish themselves. The core of 1337 involves replacing standard alphabet letters with numerals or other symbols that visually resemble them. For instance, 'A' might become '4', 'E' might become '3', 'I' might become '1', 'O' might become '0', 'S' might become '5', and 'T' might become '7'. Variations exist, and the substitution can be quite extensive, leading to text that is difficult for the uninitiated to read. Beyond simple substitutions, 1337 can also involve phonetic spellings, deliberate misspellings, or the use of acronyms and slang specific to certain online communities. While its prevalence has diminished somewhat with the mainstreaming of the internet, 1337 remains a recognizable element of internet subculture and is sometimes seen in usernames, game handles, and informal online communication. Its use can signal familiarity with older internet traditions or a playful engagement with online linguistic innovation.