Semiliterate: An adjective describing the state of being only partially or poorly literate. A semiliterate individual may struggle with reading, but their partial literacy is particularly evident in their writing.
Using slang is not itself a sign of being semiliterate, but knowing only the slang definitions of many
words may be.
Consistently using the wrong spelling of similar-sounding
words such as "their", "there", and "they'
re" is another common sign of poor literacy skills.
Perhaps the most frustrating sign of semiliteracy is the use of 'netspeak' or 'txt-speak', wherein the writer abbreviates
short and simple
words for no reason beyond laziness.
English: This test is crucial to passing because it counts for
25% of my grade.
Semiliterate
slang: This test is crucial because it's too
hard!"
English: "They're going over there to get their equipment."
Semiliterate misuse: "Their going over their to get their equipment."
English: "Why are you writing like that?"
Semiliterate netspeak: "y r u riten lyke dat??"
