Some people on the IRC forget when they were once newbies and look down on those who have just started. DON'T let this bother you as the problem lays with those who think that way. Just go to another channel where you are accepted by those who remember how confused they were on their arrival. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to help a person who changes or adds his own ideas to the instructions. Remember, since you can't see the color, ethnic backgrounds, sizes of the ppl., etc.
Many channels are obviously sex oriented, so statements of a sexual nature are appropriate.
So you see, the channels are monitored by the occupants. Some channels are there to exchange useful information about various subjects, while others are just to have fun and unwind from a long day. Act as you should in ANY channel. Since it takes longer to type than to simply speak, many abbreviations are used. Some of those more common abbreviations are listed here.