“Greentext” refers to a style of writing popularized on 4chan and other imageboards. It’s characterized by using the > symbol at the start of each line, which turns the text green on 4chan’s interface. Originally, this syntax was meant for quoting previous posts, but it evolved into a distinctive storytelling format, often used for short, humorous, exaggerated, or absurd anecdotes.

Common Features of Greentext:

• Minimalist, fragmented style: Sentences are often short and lack proper grammar.

• Implied first-person perspective: Stories are often written as if the author is recounting an experience.

• Use of tropes and inside jokes: Common meme formats emerge, like “>tfw no gf” (meaning “that feel when no girlfriend”).

• Surreal or absurd humor: Many greentext stories exaggerate events or follow bizarre, unexpected logic.

Example:

>be me  
>walk into grocery store  
>see avocado  
>remember  
>guacamole exists 
>start sweating 
>run out of store

From ChatGPT.