ha ha only serious


ha ha only serious

(SF fandom, originally as mutation of HHOK, "Ha Ha OnlyKidding") A phrase (often seen abbreviated as HHOS) that aptlycaptures the flavour of much hacker discourse. Appliedespecially to parodies, absurdities, and ironic jokes that areboth intended and perceived to contain a possibly disquietingamount of truth, or truths that are constructed on in-joke andself-parody.

The Jargon File contains many examples of ha-ha-only-seriousin both form and content. Indeed, the entirety of hackerculture is often perceived as ha-ha-only-serious by hackersthemselves; to take it either too lightly or too seriouslymarks a person as an outsider, a wannabee, or in larval stage. For further enlightenment on this subject, consultany Zen master. See also AI koan.