What is 1337?

1337 ("Leet")

1337, often spelled "leet" or "l33t," is an alternative alphabet for the English language that is used primarily on the Internet. It is characterized by replacing standard alphanumeric characters with other characters, especially symbols or numbers.

• Origin and History: Leet originated in the bulletin board system (BBS) culture in the 1980s. System operators (sysops) and users would use leet to obscure text from newcomers and to avoid keyword filters. It evolved as a way to communicate in a somewhat encrypted manner and to demonstrate one's understanding of internet culture. You can find more about origin and history from here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Origin%20and%20History

• Character Substitutions: The most basic form of leet involves substituting letters with numbers that resemble them visually. For instance:

  • A -> 4
  • E -> 3
  • O -> 0
  • T -> 7
  • L -> 1
  • S -> 5
  • I -> 1
  • Z -> 2 These substitutions can be expanded upon using symbols or combinations of characters to represent letters or words. You can find more character substitutions here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Character%20Substitutions

• Usage: Leet can be used in a variety of ways, including:

  • Obfuscation: Hiding text from casual readers or automated filters.
  • Humor: Adding a layer of irony or sarcasm to online communication.
  • Exclusivity: Signaling membership in a particular online community or subculture.
  • Gaming: Many gamers use leet speak as a short hand in the game. You can find more about using in gaming here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Usage%20in%20Gaming

• Variations: Leet exists in various levels of complexity, from simple substitutions to more elaborate and stylized forms that use ASCII art and obscure references. These levels are not strict, but often referred to as Beginner, Intermediate and Elite. You can find more about variations of leet from here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Variations

• Cultural Significance: Leet is a marker of internet culture, especially in contexts related to gaming, hacking, and online forums. While it's not as widely used as it once was, it remains a recognizable and sometimes nostalgic element of online communication. You can find more about it's cultural significance here: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Cultural%20Significance