I should compile a list of inadvertently funny text messages and post a “textisms” page.

My wireless phone isn’t of the “texting” kind — doesn’t have a QWERTY keypad — so I use the predictive text entry mode. I’m due for an upgrade and am wanting to get one with a QWERTY keypad so texting is easier — even though I don’t text much at all.

If I do that, though, I’ll miss out on opportunities to laugh at my own expense.

When I’m texting my daughter, I’m not watching the display as much as I am punching number combinations to achieve the predictive text input; I don’t know about the typos until she replies with either a “???” or “You’re funny today.”

I texted her once to find out how much a comp(osition) (note)book costs at the student store, but the message read: “How much does a comp cool cost?” She was very confused. I had a really good laugh all by myself when I read the message I had sent her.

The other day I texted her, “Key me know when she gets on the cup.” Somehow she “decoded” that I meant, “Let me know when she gets on the bus.” That was the message to which she replied, “You’re funny today.”

What she knows about me is that 1) I am a purist who really, really, REALLY detests text-messaging shorthand (as in, ” r u coming 2 nite?”), and 2) correct spelling is so important to me that I edit/self-correct as I write (big writing no-no; interferes with the creative process)…

So I guess it’s funny to her that I don’t always catch my errors as I go. It surprises her that those escape my notice.

Those are actually pretty good for invigorating, silly laughter — the kind of laughter that makes people who don’t know you think, “Has this person been drinking???”

Hmmm…not sure now whether I’ll go with QWERTY or stick with predictive text. I don’t want to miss out.

© Alexa Lopez 2008