Lelaboration

Lelaboration is a neologism used in online discourse to describe the act of elaborating a statement in a way that is humorous, excessive, or ironic, often more for entertainment than to inform. The term blends the Internet slang “lel” (a variant of lol indicating laughter) with “elaboration,” signaling a playful or satirical expansion of a topic.

Etymology and scope. The coinage emerged in informal online communities in the 2010s, with origins centered in meme culture and imageboard conversations. Because it is informal and not formalized in dictionaries, its precise meaning can vary by community. In general, lelaboration refers to adding detail, nuance, or pseudo-scientific justification to a statement in a manner that emphasizes humor or meta-commentary rather than factual rigor.

Usage. Lelaboration can function as a noun or a verb: for example, “That post was pure lelaboration,” or “They lelaborated the point to ridiculous lengths.” It is often used to indicate irony, self-awareness, or a lighthearted critique of over-explanation. While typically good-natured, it can be misinterpreted as derision if the elaboration comes off as dismissive or pedantic in sensitive discussions.

Variants and related concepts. Related forms include “lelaborate” and “lelaborative.” The term sits alongside broader memes and slang that valorize humor and self-referential commentary within online communities.

See also. Lol, elaboration, meme culture, online irony, sarcasm.

Notes. Lelaboration is not widely standardized and relies on context for interpretation; it is primarily a niche term within internet subcultures.