Oz men less tolerant than women when it comes to abbreviated texting

Men are less tolerant than women of shorthand texting,with 40 percent preferring proper spelling compared to 32 percent of their gender opposites.

Topping the list of irritating missives are “totes” (short for totally),“4COL” (for crying out loud),“wut” (what),“I<3u” (I love you),and “redic” (ridiculous). While many women undoubtedly think they are adorable,those little pictures at the end of a message such as a smiley face -- emoticons -- were unlikely to find their way into a bloke’s heart. Researchers have categorised SMS users into five groups ranging from practical texters who use the technology for no-nonsense tasks such as reminding a spouse to pick up some milk,to textaholics whose mobiles run their lives. Telstra consumer executive Director Rebekah O’Flaherty said customers sent more than nine billion SMSes in 2009/2010. “Whether we’re in the office,at home or on the move,SMS is an indispensable way for Australians to communicate,with Telstra’s research suggesting setting up social outings,getting a message out en-masse and trying to avoid confrontation being the main drivers,” News.com.au quoted her as saying.