Luv is a Many Censored Thing (A ShinySpeak classic lovingly embraced from the jokelist on - 12/8/00 )
Written by David M. Muench
I've realized that when we end our e-mails, some of us make a conscious effort to choose the appopriate closing"endearment", and spelling can mean the difference between platonic ennui and "you're stalking me, aren't you." I'm going to use the word "Love" for this observation.
Some of us might actually sign the e-mail: "Love; [your name here]". It's pretty much a basic e-mail close. It can delineate a closeness to the recipient, or it could perhaps be just "your thing". Sometimes that "L" word can be overwhelming, so we use "Luv" as a substitute; just so it seems frivolous and not at all serious. The following is what I think the meanings are behind some of the "L-Word" combinations:
L: One single letter to replace "love". It could also possibly be"Later" or "Loser", depending on who the recipient is. This closing endearment is a popular one for guys, as to use any combination of the whole "L" word might create an uncomfortable, commitable feeling. Like tight underwear chaffing you on a hot day.
Luv ya: A popular closing endearment. The mere fact that it's not spelled correctly automatically means it's meant as a friendly farewell. Unless the person has a secret crush. It can be used between girl and a guy, or even a girl and a girl. It's a very, very rare thing for two heterosexual guys to exchange that particular endearment.
Love ya: A little more friendlier, but making that "conscious effort" to misspell "you" is another attempt at employing a playful "Hey, you're my friend...and that's it" endearment. Again, on a deeper level it could mean stronger feelings, as the word "love" is spelled correctly.
Luv you: Like "Love ya", except "love" is spelled wrong, maybe signifying an innate fear of the actual "L" word, or that person just couldn't commit to a more intimate farewell. Or they really can't spell "love".
Love you: You are definitely pushing the platonic envelope with this one. This closing phrase is just one letter ( "i" ) shy of exposing your true feelings with those "three-little-words". Unless of course you're family.
I Love you: Defcon 5, baby. If you're not e-mailing a family member, you've got some strong feelings rising to the surface about your "buddy". If you deny it, then I'm Brad Pitt. The next time you write an e-mail, think about how you close it with any given person and how you feel about them. Does it change the way you spell?
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