IANAL
Texting & Internet Slang abbreviation · Social Media
| Stands for | I am not a lawyer |
|---|---|
| Categories | Texting & Internet Slang |
IANAL stands for I am not a lawyer, a social media abbreviation.
Disclaimer placed before legal opinions on forums and Reddit to signal that the advice is informal and not professional counsel. Typical in discussions of leases, contracts, copyright and workplace disputes.
Example: IANAL, but your lease probably requires 30 days' written notice before you move out.
Usage notes
Common on Slashdot and Reddit since the early 2000s, along with variants such as IANAD (I am not a doctor). The disclaimer has no legal force by itself, but it reminds readers to consult a qualified professional. Its resemblance to an unfortunate English word is a long-running forum joke.