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くさ
草
kusaOrigin: 2channel/Niconico
First used: 2010s
Internet slang for laughter, equivalent to "LOL". Derived from the appearance of "w" looking like grass.
What is 草?
草 (kusa, meaning "grass") is Japanese internet slang used to express laughter, similar to "LOL" in English.
Origin
The slang evolved from the following progression:
- 笑 (warai, "laugh") was used at the end of sentences
- Abbreviated to w (from "warai")
- Multiple w's became wwwww for more laughter
- The line of w's looked like grass growing: wwwww → 草
Usage
- 草 - Basic laughter
- 草生える (kusa haeru) - "Grass is growing" = that's funny
- 大草原 (daisougen) - "Great grassland" = extremely funny
- 草不可避 (kusa fukahi) - "Grass is unavoidable" = I can't help but laugh
Examples
このミーム草 (This meme is hilarious)
マジで草生えた (That literally made me laugh)
Modern Usage
While w is still widely used, 草 has become popular especially on Twitter/X and in streaming communities. It's considered slightly more expressive than just using w.