Have you ever come across the cryptic phrase “KEKW” in a Twitch chat and wondered what it means? You’re not alone. This widely used emote has become a staple in Twitch lingo, expressing laughter in a unique and hilarious way.
But where did it come from? How do you pronounce it? And how can you use it yourself? This guide will delve into the world of KEKW, uncovering its origins, pronunciation, and everything in between.
Learn about the origins of KEKW.
KEKW emote comes from funny video and gamer slang. Video star is Spanish comedian with big laugh. Funny video goes viral, comedian becomes internet famous.
From Meme to Emote: The Rise of KEKW
The second ingredient in the KEKW recipe is gamer slang. “KEK” is the Korean equivalent of “LOL” (laugh out loud), a common expression of amusement online. In the popular game World of Warcraft, a fun element of faction-based gameplay comes into play.
When Horde players (one of the playable factions) type “LOL” in chat, Alliance players (the opposing faction) see “KEK” instead, and vice versa. This quirk added another layer to the KEKW phenomenon.
The final touch? The letter “W.” Often used in Twitch emotes to represent exaggerated facial expressions (think LULW), “W” adds another dimension to KEKW, signifying an intense bout of laughter.
Who created KEKW?
The exact origin of KEKW remains a bit of a mystery. Some streamers credit Admiral Bulldog, while others claim it was xQc. Regardless of its creator, KEKW’s infectious laughter transcended its origins to become a global phenomenon within the gaming community.
Understanding KEKW Explained
So, what exactly does KEKW mean? Simply put, it stands for laughter. The image of El Risitas perfectly embodies the emote’s purpose. KEKW serves as a hilarious way to express amusement, similar to how “LOL” or “ROFL” functions in online communication.
How KEKW Became Popular
KEKW’s reign on Twitch began in August 2019. Streamers like AdmiralBulldog and xQc popularized the emote, using it to express uncontrollable laughter. This quickly spread awareness, and KEKW dethroned LUL and ROFL as the go-to emote for hysterical moments. Today, KEKW remains a top 15 emote on Twitch, a testament to its comedic power.
How to Pronounce KEKW
The pronunciation of KEKW is another fun aspect of the emote. Gamers often use a three-syllable approach: “keh-kuh-wah.” But some prefer a shorter, two-syllable version: “keh-kwuh.”
The beauty lies in the lack of a definitive pronunciation. Embrace your inner comedian and say it however you find most amusing!
Possible KEKW Variations
The internet thrives on creativity, and KEKW is no exception. Just like “LOL” morphed into “LUL” and “OMEGALUL,” KEKW is likely to see further evolution. Expect more absurd variations to emerge, especially in written forms.
While the official Twitch emote might remain unchanged, platforms like Twitter could see the rise of “KEKWhat” or “KEKWow,” demonstrating the endless possibilities for KEKW remixes.
Getting the KEKW Emote on Twitch
Adding KEKW to your Twitch experience is simple. Here’s how:
- Install the BTTV extension, a popular browser add-on that unlocks a vast library of Twitch emotes.
- Once BTTV is set up, you can add KEKW to your channel’s emote list.
- Now you’re all set! Simply type “KEKW” in the chat whenever a moment strikes your funny bone.
What led to the ban of the KEKW laugh?
Following the unfortunate passing of Juan Joya Borja in April 2021, the KEKW emote was taken down for a week as a mark of respect. Thankfully, the emote has since returned, allowing viewers to continue celebrating Borja’s legacy of laughter.
The Individual Associated with the Meme
The face behind the KEKW emote is the unforgettable Juan Joya Borja. A beloved Spanish comedian, his infectious laughter continues to bring joy to millions through the KEKW emote.
