“IJBOL” Meaning: A Guide to This Gen Z Slang

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Find out what Gen Z is saying with this silly phrase

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: May 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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Meaning

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How to Use

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Origins

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Video

While texting your friends or scrolling on social media, you’ve probably seen people typing “IJBOL.” But what does this slang term mean? “IJBOL” stands for “I just burst out laughing” or “I just busted out laughing,” and is the new trendier version of “LOL.” In other words, it means you find something super funny. In this article, we’ll tell you how to use this Gen Z term and explain where it came from. Read on to learn more!

What does “IJBOL” stand for?

“IJBOL” means “I just burst out laughing.” It’s another way to say that you find something hilarious. “IJBOL” was popularized by Gen Z in the 2020s, who use it as an alternative to “LOL” and “LMAO.”

Section 1 of 3:

“IJBOL” Meaning

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“IJBOL” stands for “I just burst out laughing.” “IJBOL” is Gen Z’s version of “LOL,” “LMAO,” and “ROFL” (which are more associated with millennials). People text or use “IJBOL” on social media to express that they’re laughing really hard or find something very funny.^{[1]
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- Examples:
  - “IJBOL thinking about how Rachel ran into that pole yesterday 💀💀💀”
  - “We can’t sit next to each other in class anymore 😭 You’re always making me IBJOL and I never get anything done 😭😭”
- Pronunciation: “Eej-bowl.” While “IJBOL” is primarily used online, you might hear people say it out loud.

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use “IJBOL”

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Use “IJBOL” in texts and online to express amusement and laughter. When a friend texts you a funny video or shares an entertaining story from their day, message “IJBOL” back to let them know you find them hilarious. Or, use “IBJOL” on TikTok, X/Twitter, and Instagram to share funny memes and posts.
- Examples:
  - “I can’t believe you walked around all day with ripped pants 💀😭 IJBOL”
  - “Stop your meme game is too strong 😩 IJBOL”

Section 3 of 3:

“IJBOL” Origins

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“IJBOL” was first used in 2009, but started gaining popularity in 2021. “IJBOL” first popped up online in 2009, where it was added as a definition on Urban Dictionary and used a bit on Twitter. However, this slang term didn’t catch on until 2021. Gen Z-ers started to use it in the 2020s, where it spread on X/Twitter and TikTok as a replacement for “LOL” and “LMAO.”^{[2]
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- “IJBOL” was mainly popularized by Stan Twitter and K-pop fans. Many fans categorize their favorite members’ personalities using popular slang like:
  - “IJBOL,” which refers to someone who laughs a lot.
  - “IDGAF” (“I don’t give a f*ck), which refers to someone calm, cool, and collected.
  - “DPMO” (Don’t piss me off), which refers to someone who is more serious.
- Ironically, “IJBOL” was also popularized by social media users who were confused about what this term meant—some even originally thought “IJBOL” was a Korean word (for the record, it’s not).