网络语言，是由网民创造、于网络交流中使用的一种媒体语言。它广泛地出现在聊天、网络论坛（BBS）等各种互联网应用场合，代表了一定的互联网文化，并渗透到现实生活中，对人们的生活产生了一定影响。网络语言来源广泛，多取材于方言俗语、各门外语、缩略语、谐音、误植、甚至以符号合并以达至象形效果等等，属于混合语言，通常使用注音文、拼音首字母或火星文。而且由于语言及文化的不同，而形成了各种不同的、具有地方特色的互联网语言。一类网络用语采用的文本字形怪异，对于不甚了解的人来说，被称之为火星文、脑残文。

使用网络语言除了好玩以外，有时是为了逃避如防火长城之关键词过滤系统的检查。

Internet slang (Internet shorthand, Cyber-slang, netspeak, or chatspeak) refers to a variety of slang languages used by different people on the Internet. It is difficult to provide a standardized definition of Internet slang due to the constant changes made to its nature. However, it can be understood to be a type of slang that Internet users have popularized, and in many cases, have coined. Such terms often originate with the purpose of saving keystrokes or to compensate for small character limits. Many people use the same abbreviations in texting and instant messaging, and social networking websites. Acronyms, keyboard symbols and abbreviations are common types of Internet slang. New dialects of slang, such as leet or Lolspeak, develop as ingroup internet memes rather than time savers.