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Typing shortcuts have always bugged me, and I mean to no end.

What I mean by typing shortcuts is: are=r, you=u, oh my god=OMG, people=ppl etc... as well as neglecting capitals. And then this is mixed up with improper grammar, and lack of punctuation, making whatever they're saying nigh impossible to read. (On a separate note, emoticons don't bother me, and I use them.)

Just wanting to know what other people think about this issue. (Yes, I am a proud spelling nazi... XP)

"etc." is a writing shortcut, why doesn't that one bother you?

As a matter of fact, what about all acronyms or abbreviations?

They s**t me. I love grammar and spelling.
Henry Rollins speaks so well, I love listening to his CDs. He's hilarious!

The only one I use is on MSN for 'Be Right Back'- brb. That's it.

I was about to say that as well. Etc. is an abbreviated word, and is even the dictionary as the abbreviated form of et-cetera. However shortcuts like 'ppl' (which is actually a word, being the abbreviation of participle) to mean people, just isn't correct grammar.

But I digress, since that's just arguing semantics. Etc. is a shortcut, but it isn't improper grammar, so I feel that I am free to use it.

Anyhow, I am glad to see people discussing this. LONG LIVE THE PROPER ENGLISH LANGUAGE!