Do you think chatspeak is just a fad?

Question

Remember Valspeak from the 80's (Like, Omigod, totally gag me with a spoon)? Do you think chatspeak will also go the way of the dinosaur or is it here to stay? In the future will people send out cover letters to prospective employers saying "LMK if u LIK wut u C"?

Answer 1

Chatspeak's a bit different since it's not just slang; it's tied to the machines we use (mobile phones and computers) to produce it, and so there's an element of practicality.  It's more of a format of writing than it is a fad like Valspeak.

Having said that, of course it will change. Either the machines will change, or the way we use them will, or who the heck knows. Language is never fixed. But I do doubt it'll make its way into cover letters, since the purpose of a cover letter is to convey your amazing education and your professionalism. So unless using chatspeak would help you get the job, it won't be on the cover letter.