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Glite Dictionary
intertubes

intertubes

9.9
A joking word for the internet that people use to make fun of those who do not know computers
  • noun
  • /ˈɪntərˌtjuːbz/
  • Slang
translation icon : intertubes
  • Some of it, Jean, is just the nature of writing on the Intertubes.

Examples

  • It's amazing how much information is available on the intertubes these days.

  • She often shares funny videos she finds on the intertubes with her friends.

  • Caitlin Stern writes has put me on her list of inspiring bloggers, and this fills my heart with the kind of bubbles that only recognition from the intellectuals of the Intertubes can do.

    Blog text (24)

  • Many people get their news from the intertubes instead of traditional newspapers.

Synonyms

Internet
vsintertubes
  • Texting
597 1.6

A worldwide network that connects computers so people and businesses can share information

is a joking slang more informal and often mocking than the technical word
interwebs
vsintertubes
  • Slang
1 9.5

A joking, informal word for the internet

is an ironic slang term that mocks lack of technical knowledge
the interweb
vsintertubes
  • Texting
9.8

An informal joking name for the internet

is more mocking and ironic used to suggest technical ignorance

Surface Forms

intertubes singular
intertubes plural

Morphology

intertubes = intertube (semi-transparent) = inter + tube + s

The plural -s formation from the singular 'intertube' to 'intertubes' is a regular and obvious morphological step.

Etymology

Intertubes is a playful name for the Internet that mixes inter- (as in Internet) with tubes. Think of tubes as 'pipes' that carry information, so intertubes gives the funny image of the whole online world as a bunch of pipes and is often used to tease or make fun of people who do not know much about technology.