The Differences Between LUL and KEKW Emote: A Deep Dive into Two Twitch Icons

If you’ve spent any amount of time on Twitch, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the iconic emotes LUL and KEKW. Both represent laughter, but their meanings, usage, and cultural connotations differ significantly. As an expert in Twitch emotes, I’m here to break down these two laugh-inducing giants, exploring their origins, popularity, and unique roles in Twitch culture.

Origins and History

LUL originated from a photograph of John “TotalBiscuit” Bain, a beloved gaming YouTuber and commentator. The image, captured during a humorous moment, was first turned into an emote on Twitch by Bain’s fans. The original version was removed due to copyright concerns, but a new iteration, featuring an artist’s rendition of the original photo, replaced it and became wildly popular. LUL symbolizes a general sense of laughter, often associated with lighthearted or ironic moments.

KEKW, on the other hand, stems from a clip of Spanish comedian Juan Joya Borja, affectionately known as "El Risitas" (“The Giggles”). His infectious, high-pitched laughter during an interview went viral and inspired numerous memes. The KEKW emote—featuring Borja’s laughing face—quickly became a Twitch favorite. It’s often used to react to moments of absurdity or when something is so over-the-top that it’s hilariously ridiculous.

For a deeper dive into KEKW’s origin and rise, check out my detailed analysis here: What Does KEKW Mean? Twitch Emote Meaning Explained.

Visual and Emotional Differences

Visually, LUL and KEKW couldn’t be more distinct. LUL features a caricatured, open-mouthed laugh, a snapshot of mid-laughter that conveys general amusement. It’s clean, simple, and versatile, making it a go-to reaction emote for many situations.

KEKW, by contrast, is more exaggerated and chaotic. The wide, toothy grin of “El Risitas” paired with his squinting eyes conveys uncontrollable laughter. It’s the digital equivalent of falling out of your chair laughing—perfect for those moments when “just laughing” doesn’t seem like enough.

Emotionally, LUL represents straightforward laughter. It’s often used for a chuckle-worthy comment or a mildly funny situation. KEKW, however, is reserved for the extremes: something so ridiculous or unexpected that it crosses the threshold into hilarity.

Usage in Twitch Culture

One of the key differences between LUL and KEKW lies in their usage within Twitch chats.

LUL is a jack-of-all-trades emote. It’s suitable for almost any situation where laughter is appropriate, from a witty streamer’s comment to a silly in-game moment. Its versatility has solidified its place as a staple in Twitch culture.

KEKW, on the other hand, thrives in chaos. It’s often spammed during moments of utter ridiculousness, whether it’s a streamer making an outrageous mistake, an absurdly funny meme being shared, or a completely unexpected plot twist occurring during a game. The repetitive use of KEKW—sometimes filling entire chat windows—is a hallmark of its unique role in Twitch humor.

Generational and Cultural Contexts

Another fascinating difference is the generational divide in their popularity. LUL has been around longer and appeals to Twitch’s older user base, who may associate it with its origins and the legacy of TotalBiscuit. KEKW, however, has risen in popularity among younger users who resonate more with its meme-like quality and the viral culture surrounding El Risitas.

Culturally, KEKW has transcended Twitch to become a widely recognized meme on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit. While LUL is primarily associated with Twitch, KEKW’s global appeal has expanded its reach beyond the platform, contributing to its enduring relevance.

The Role of Emotes in Twitch Communication

Both LUL and KEKW showcase the unique way emotes are used to communicate on Twitch. Emotes like these serve as shorthand for emotions, reactions, and even community identity. Choosing LUL over KEKW—or vice versa—isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s a deliberate choice that reflects the user’s personality and context.

For a comprehensive look at the evolution of Twitch emotes and their cultural impact, visit my pillar content: The Complete Guide to Twitch Emotes in 2025: History, Trends, and Their Cultural Impact.

KEKW vs. LUL: Which One Should You Use?

If you’re a streamer or a viewer wondering when to use LUL versus KEKW, here’s a quick guide:

  • Use LUL for general humor. It’s perfect for sarcastic remarks, ironic moments, or when something is simply amusing.
  • Use KEKW for extreme hilarity. Save it for moments that make you laugh out loud in real life, such as unexpected fails or absurd situations.

In practice, many Twitch users default to their favorite emote regardless of the context, but understanding these subtle differences can enhance your participation in chat culture.

The Future of LUL and KEKW Emotes

As Twitch culture evolves, so too will its emotes. While LUL and KEKW remain iconic, the introduction of new emotes and memes may shift their popularity over time. However, their legacy is secure. These emotes represent not just laughter but the shared experiences and inside jokes that make Twitch a unique platform.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of LUL, an avid user of KEKW, or someone looking to explore Twitch emotes further, there’s always more to learn. To stay ahead of the trends and deepen your understanding of Twitch culture, explore my dedicated Twitch emote guides linked above.

Conclusion

In the world of Twitch, LUL and KEKW aren’t just emotes; they’re cultural icons. Each has its unique origin, visual style, and emotional resonance, reflecting the diverse ways we express humor online. By understanding their differences, you can not only enhance your Twitch experience but also gain insight into the evolving language of digital communication.

For more insights and expert analysis on Twitch emotes, bookmark my pillar content today!