What Is Leet Speak?

Leet speak (1337) is an internet 'language', if you will, that has gained much popularity among online gamers and net-noobs (those new to the internet). It's easy to learn and leaves a lot of room for creativity. Leet speak uses a combination of actual letters and letters made up using computer symbols (although sometimes leet is made up entirely of the latter). Leet speak is usually used to bypass word filters in chat or on online forums. As leet speak is not a structured language, it can be written in a variety of ways.

Here are some examples of 1337:

Ψ0|_|12 |)4|)5 [-]34|) 100|<5 1!|<3 4 \/\/47312/\/\310|\|
Your dad's head looks like a watermelon.

00|3312 1337
oober leet

7hat5 ju57 g4y
That's just gay.

Leet speak is sometimes used by teens to hide their online conversations from their parents. Because of this, it's essential that parents know what to look for and how to read leet speak.