Lergonomie

Lergonomie is a neologism combining the terms "ler" (short for *lolerging*, a slang term for excessive laughter) and "ergonomie" (French for ergonomics). The term emerged in the early 2000s as internet slang, particularly within online communities and gaming circles, to describe the practice of using exaggerated, often comical body movements while laughing or reacting to humorous content. These movements typically involve exaggerated facial expressions, exaggerated gestures, or even full-body contortions, often accompanied by exaggerated vocal reactions.

The concept gained traction as a form of digital humor, particularly in platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok, where creators and viewers would mimic or exaggerate physical reactions to memes, jokes, or unexpected events. Lergonomie became a shorthand for the exaggerated, almost theatrical nature of these reactions, emphasizing the physicality of digital laughter. While rooted in internet culture, the term reflects broader trends in online communication, where visual and physical expression plays a key role in conveying emotion and humor.

Critics sometimes associate lergonomie with performative or over-the-top behavior, though proponents view it as a creative outlet for self-expression. The term remains largely informal and is not widely recognized outside of niche online communities. Its usage highlights how digital spaces have influenced new forms of bodily expression and humor in the modern era.