Given the nature of the internet it is only natural that abbreviations should be created. Shortenings such as ROFL, lol and ttfn have become common in their usage, allowing the writer to type faster and still be understand by the vast majority of those they attempt to start a conversation with.

Not so with the dreaded phrase ASL.

Whereas many of the other phrases exist for ease, ASL is naturally intrusive. Age, sex and location