j/k

Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, Is the man who deceives his neighbour, and says, "I was only joking!" – Proverbs 26v18-19

‘j/k’ is one of those newish texting/FBing abbreviations that have popped up over the last couple of years. You know how it is used ‘You smell like dirty socks – j/k.’ It is the internet equivalent to saying something ugly to someone, seeing a look in their face, and saying ‘I was only joking’ except in the case of texting it is pre-emptive, just in case.

A lot of times, admittedly, it is truly just harmless fun, teasing, and slagging. However, we need to be aware that it is not always as harmless as it seems. In fact, if it were truly harmless, would we have to say ‘j/k?’

‘j/k’ can be dangerous. ‘Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man you deceive his neighbour and says ‘j/k.’

It is asking for trouble, and it can hurt. j/k doesn’t really help after the damage is done and we never know when what we mean as good fun is going to hit the wrong spot at the wrong time.

Even though I am still guilty, the older I get the more I realise the dangers of j/k. Let’s be careful before we use terms and phrases that require that j/k ending. They may be more dangerous than we think.