1337

D0 j00Z U|\|D3R574|\|D \/\/|-|@ 1 jU57 \/\/R073?

If you do, then you understand the internet lingo known as “leet.” Leet is a way of coding your words through the use of symbols. For example, the code 1337 can represent the word leet. The leet above reads: “Do you understand what I just wrote?” You see how symbols and numbers can be used to represent letters. There is no specific symbol or set of symbols for each letter so there’s room for creativity. The letter D, for example, can be written as |) or |}. The misconception is that internet shorthand, like LOL, is part of leet. It isn’t. Some internet predators are using leet as a way to “appear younger” and to mask their activity from the prying eyes of parents. Something to think about...