In a peculiar update that has left many Spanish speakers both amused and puzzled, the Real Academia Española (RAE) has stepped in to clarify just how we should be expressing laughter through text messages. The cultural institution, that oversees the evolution of the Spanish language, insists that the popular “jajaja” might not be as appropriate as people think.
According to the RAE, the proper way to text laughter is actually “ja, ja, ja,” with each “ja” separated by a comma. And here’s the kicker—anything less than three “ja” could convey something quite different. The RAE warns that using fewer repetitions can imply sarcasm or disbelief, rather than genuine mirth. A single or double “ja” could read as ironic or even mocking, like saying, “Sure, sure.”
The evolution of laughter and social media
The RAE’s guidelines come in response to the increasing prominence of social media and messaging apps, where linguistic shortcuts and new expressions evolve at lightning speed. Expressions like “XD,” emoticons, and stickers have revolutionised the way we express emotions digitally, including laughter. While many of these forms are not strictly regulated, the RAE felt it was time to lay down the rules for the quintessential “jajaja” that dominates Spanish-speaking group chats.
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These guidelines are part of the institution’s broader efforts to regularise the language in a time of rapid change. Since its founding in 1713, the RAE has been known for establishing norms that reflect common usage, but also for maintaining linguistic integrity. Though it may seem trivial, how we represent laughter is, after all, a reflection of the subtleties of human interaction—even in digital form.
How to consult the RAE on language queries
For those who may be confused about other aspects of the Spanish language, the RAE offers a quick-doubt portal on its website, where users can inquire about anything from grammar rules to word usage. They also have a presence on the social network X, where questions marked with the hashtag #dudaRAE are addressed.
So next time you feel like laughing via text, remember: it’s “ja, ja, ja”—unless you’re aiming for a little irony. The RAE is watching, and they’re making sure we laugh properly.
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