Z-lolz ((free)) Link
The term appears to originate from the convergence of two linguistic vectors: (1) "Lolz," denoting amusement derived from schadenfreude or chaos, and (2) the prefix "Z-," connoting the terminal, the exhausted (as in Generation Z’s burnout), or the mathematical final variable in a sequence. Thus, is defined as: The performative expression of laughter in response to a stimulus perceived as humorous by memory or social obligation, despite the complete absence of subjective hedonic response.
What’s your favorite "dated" internet slang that you still use ? z-lolz
So words with that superfluous, hysterical "z" (LOLZ; zOMG) would be presented to the panel as contenders. SMH.com.au The term appears to originate from the convergence
Is Z-Lolz a pathology or an adaptation? We argue it is a . In a high-volume information environment, genuine laughter to every stimulus would lead to affective exhaustion. Z-Lolz allows the user to maintain social bonds without depleting emotional reserves. It is the laughter of the quantified self. So words with that superfluous, hysterical "z" (LOLZ;
Outside of its specific association with the phishing website, the term "lolz" is a long-standing piece of internet slang.
Gen Z's new rules for texting: What makes you cool (or cringe)
This utterance contains no humor. It is a semiotic white flag. It signals: "I recognize your reference, I acknowledge the historical context of its humor, but I am functionally dead inside. Conversation may proceed."

This is helpful! Over the summer I will be working on a novel, and I already know there will be days where my creativity will be at a low, so I'll keep these techniques in mind for when that time comes. The idea of all fiction as metaphors is something I never thought of but rings true. I'll have to do more research into that aspect of metaphor! Also, what work does Eric and Marshall McLuhan talk specifically about metaphor? I'm curious...
I just read Byung-Chul Han's latest, "The Crisis of Narration." Definitely worth a look if you're interested in the subject, and a great intro to his work if you've not yet read him.