Gaming & Internet Culture · reaction, gaming
What Does 'KEKW' Mean in Gaming? Mainstream
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See it in action
Video: What is KEKW?, embedded from its original platform.
What it means
In contemporary online culture, particularly within Twitch and other streaming platforms, KEKW is predominantly used to convey intense, often uncontrollable laughter. It's the go-to reaction for moments that are absurd, ridiculous, incredibly funny, or even awkwardly embarrassing. Unlike a simple 'LOL,' KEKW implies a deeper level of amusement, suggesting that the situation has elicited a visceral, laugh-out-loud response. The emote, featuring the distinctive, wheezing laugh of Spanish comedian Juan Joya Borja (El Risitas), is frequently spammed in chat when a streamer makes a significant mistake, experiences a comical failure (like missing a crucial shot in a game), or when something ironic or generally hilarious unfolds. While primarily used for genuine amusement, KEKW can also carry a sarcastic undertone, especially when directed at a streamer's misfortune or a cringeworthy moment. It's important to note that context is key; using KEKW during a serious or emotional moment on stream can be perceived as toxic or insensitive, as it can be seen as mocking the streamer's distress rather than sharing in a humorous observation. The term can also be used to express a kind of awkward, almost involuntary laugh, akin to a cough or a choked giggle when something is simultaneously funny and a bit uncomfortable, as suggested by one Urban Dictionary definition referring to the sound made when coughing or laughing while swallowing. This nuance adds to its versatility, allowing it to capture a broader spectrum of amused reactions beyond simple hilarity.
The receipt
Original post, embedded from Twitter, linked and credited. Visuals on this page are shown for commentary and identification.
Where it started
First seen: circa 2019, Twitch (popularized by streamers xQc and AdmiralBulldog)
The KEKW emote originates from a viral video featuring Spanish comedian and actor Juan Joya Borja, widely known as El Risitas. In the iconic clip, El Risitas recounts a story about leaving paella pans in the ocean to clean, only for them to be washed away by the tide, while laughing uncontrollably. His distinctive, wheezing laugh became an internet sensation, leading meme creators to use clips of him with added subtitles to appear as if he were reacting to various humorous situations. The visual component of the KEKW emote is directly derived from this memorable laughing face. The term itself has a layered origin that predates the visual emote. For Korean gamers, 'KEK' is an equivalent to 'LOL.' This linguistic quirk stems from how the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft translates chat messages between opposing factions: when a player from the Horde faction types 'LOL' in the chat box, a player from the Alliance faction will see it transcribed as 'KEK.' This cross-faction linguistic anomaly established 'KEK' as a gamer-specific alternative to 'LOL.' The 'W' suffix is a common addition in Twitch culture, often used to signify an exaggerated facial expression or an intensified reaction, similar to how 'LOL' or 'LUL' can evolve into 'LULW.' Therefore, KEKW effectively combines the Korean gamer-derived 'KEK' (meaning LOL) with the 'W' suffix to denote an exaggerated, uncontrollable burst of laughter, representing extreme hilarity. The emote, featuring El Risitas's face, was then integrated into third-party Twitch extensions like BetterTTV (BTTV) and FrankerFaceZ, solidifying its visual representation and widespread adoption.
Why it's everywhere
KEKW's widespread popularity can be attributed to its adoption by prominent Twitch streamers like Félix “xQc” Lengyel and Henrik “AdmiralBulldog” Ahnberg around August 2019. These influential figures regularly incorporated the emote into their streams, exposing it to a massive audience and quickly cementing its status as one of the most recognized and frequently used emotes on the platform. Its versatility in expressing a wide range of laughter, from genuine, uncontrollable amusement to sarcastic mockery of a streamer's failures or awkward moments, has been a key factor in its sustained relevance. The emote's ability to convey a stronger, more visceral reaction than simple text-based laughter like 'LOL' made it a preferred choice for viewers seeking to express extreme hilarity or shared amusement. Furthermore, KEKW has transcended the confines of Twitch, finding widespread use on other social media and communication platforms such as YouTube, Discord, and even Kick, a platform known for its casino streaming. This cross-platform adoption, driven by its clear and impactful expression of laughter, has ensured its continued trending status. The tragic passing of El Risitas in 2021 also added a layer of poignancy, potentially increasing its usage as a tribute to his iconic laugh, further embedding it in internet culture.
How it gets used
Primarily used in chat as an emote or typed text; overuse can sometimes feel mocking.
- “The streamer just fell off his chair trying to grab a snack, KEKW!”Twitch chat during a live stream where a streamer experiences a minor, comical accident.
- “My teammate whiffed that entire clip, chat is spamming KEKW KEKW KEKW.”Gaming stream chat reacting to a player's significant in-game failure.
- “Did you see that fail compilation? That last one where the guy slipped on a banana peel was pure KEKW.”Discord message discussing a video compilation of amusing mishaps.
- “He tried to do a sick jump and immediately crashed into a wall. KEKW”YouTube gaming stream chat comment on a streamer's failed attempt at a difficult maneuver.
- “Someone just said something incredibly absurd on stream, and the entire chat is just KEKW.”Twitch chat observing a moment of extreme absurdity or nonsensical commentary.
Frequently asked
What does KEKW mean literally?
The 'KEK' part originates from Korean gamers' equivalent of 'LOL,' which became 'KEK' in World of Warcraft's cross-faction chat. The 'W' signifies an exaggerated facial expression, so KEKW means exaggerated laughter.
Who is the person in the KEKW emote?
The person in the KEKW emote is the late Spanish comedian and actor Juan Joya Borja, famously known as El Risitas, whose uncontrollable laughter in a viral video inspired the emote.
Can KEKW be used negatively?
Yes, while primarily used for genuine amusement, KEKW can sometimes be used sarcastically or to mock someone, especially if used during a serious or sensitive moment on stream. Context is crucial when interpreting its use.
Related terms
More gaming
Sources
- urbandictionary.com — Urban Dictionary: kekw
- win.gg — KEKW meaning explained: Laughter meme origins and how to use
- techshout.com — What Does KEKW Mean [Story Behind The Twitch Emote] - TechShout