"Each generation wants new symbols, new people, new names. They want to divorce themselves from their predecessors." Jim Morrison

OMG, LOL is so hopelessly old hat. Ditto AFK, AYT, BRB, etc. Last summer New York Times tech guru David Pogue enlisted his Now Generation interns and assistant to help him create an updated list of online and texting shorthand with a more youthful twist.

Mr. Pogue is a little confused about the origins of CAP letters shorthand, noting that it comes from cell phone users. He needs a reminder that much of the original CAP shorthand came from teletype operators. "SOS" is the best example.

The absorption of online shorthand into current popular culture came from AOL. I know. I was there. We made some of it up ourselves. We taught it to chatroom hosts so they could communicate quickly with each other and teach it to AOL members.

Pogue's list is below. There's a hole in it--one of the first things I learned at AOL--that I'm surprised Pogue of all people left out. It's been around a long time, mostly in tech circles.  

Advice for those who don't understand how to hook up, assemble, use or fix a computer, printer, router, camera, iPhone or other 21st century gadget...

Techies always tell you to RTFM -- read the fucking manual.

Here's what Pogue's group adds to shorthand lingo:

* GI -- Google it

* MOP -- Mac or PC?

* FCAO -- five conversations at once

* IIOYT -- is it on YouTube?

* DYFH -- did you Facebook him/her?

* BIOI -- buy it on iTunes

* CMOS -- call me on Skype

* GGNUDP -- gotta go, no unlimited data plan

* WLF -- with the lady friend

* JUOC -- jacked up on caffeine

* 12OF -- twelve-o'clock flasher (someone so incompetent with technology that every appliance in the house flashes 12:00)

* SML -- send me the link

* RHB -- read his/her blog

* MBLO -- much better-looking online

* KYST -- knew you'd say that

* NBL -- no battery left

* CTTC -- can't talk, teacher's coming

* TWD -- typing while driving

* CMT (CMF, CMM, CMB) -- check my Twitter (Facebook, Myspace, blog)

* CYE (CYF, CYM, CYB)--check your email (Facebook, Myspace, blog)

* AYAP -- are you a perv?

* GGPC -- gotta go, parent coming

* LHU -- let's hook up (new age equivalent of WYS -- what's your sign?)

* IYD (another oldie but goodie) -- in your dreams

* WIWYA -- when I was your age

* YKT – you kids today

* CRRE -- conversation required; remove earbuds

* WDO? -- what are you doing online?

* NIWYM -- no idea what you mean

* NCK -- not a chance, kid

* B2W -- back to work

* AYD? -- are you drunk?

* LODH -- log off, do homework

* DYMK? -- does your mother know?

* IGAT -- I've got abbreviations, too

* DISM -- do I smell pot?

* WAMK -- where are my keys?

* HSGL -- house stinks, gather laundry

* MYOD -- make your own dinner

* KIUAYLYC/C/I -- keep it up and you'll lose your computer/cell phone/iPod