In today’s fast-paced digital world, we often rely on texting abbreviations and acronyms to quickly communicate our thoughts via text messages, social media, and instant messaging apps. Understanding these shorthand forms can make conversations smoother and more engaging. Whether you’re texting with friends or sending messages for work, knowing common texting abbreviations can save time and effort.
In this guide, we’ll explore popular texting abbreviations along with examples of how to use them effectively. Let’s dive in!
Texting abbreviations are short form of text that are commonly used while texting. Instead of writing the whole phrase or word, we mostly use short forms. And that is why these short form of texts are known as texting abbreviations.
Here are some examples of most commonly used texting abbreviations.
- LOL – Laugh out loud
- BRB – Be right back
- OMG – Oh my God
- BTW – By the way
- ASAP – As soon as possible
- DM – Direct message
List of Popular Texting Abbreviations
Here is the list of useful texting abbreviations with examples to help you master these texting abbreviations easily.
LOL – Laugh Out Loud
LOL is an abbreviation of laugh out loud. It is used when something is funny or makes you laugh.
Examples:
- That meme was hilarious, LOL!
- I can’t believe you said that, LOL
BRB – Be Right Back
BRB (be right back) is used for letting someone know you’ll step away for a brief moment. Here are some examples of sentences:
- BRB, I need to grab some coffee.
- Hold on, BRB in a minute.
OMG – Oh My God
OMG means “Oh My God”. This texting abbreviation is used to show surprise, excitement or shock. Here are examples:
- OMG, I just saw the cutest puppy!
- OMG, I forgot my keys at home.
TTYL – Talk To You Later
TTYL stands for “Talk to you later”. This texting abbreviation is perfect for signing off when a conversation is pausing but will continue later. Here are examples:
- I’m heading into a meeting, TTYL.
- Gotta go now, but TTYL.
IDK – I Don’t Know
IDK is a short form of “I don’t know” and it is used as a quick way to express uncertainty or indecision. See the examples of below!
- IDK what to wear to the party.
- IDK if I can make it tonight.
TBH – To Be Honest
Example 1: “TBH, I didn’t like that movie.”
Example 2: “TBH, I think you should go for it.”
Use when sharing a candid opinion or feeling.
IMO – In My Opinion
Example 1: “IMO, that was the best game of the season.”
Example 2: “That’s not the right way to do it, IMO.”
Indicates you’re expressing a personal view.
SMH – Shaking My Head
Example 1: “You forgot your wallet again? SMH.”
Example 2: “He really said that? SMH, people these days.”
Conveys disapproval or disbelief.
BTW – By The Way
Example 1: “BTW, did you finish that project?”
Example 2: “BTW, I’ll be late to the meeting.”
Helps add extra information to a conversation.
IRL – In Real Life
Example 1: “We need to catch up IRL soon!”
Example 2: “It’s so different meeting people IRL.”
Useful for differentiating between online and real-world experiences.
FYI – For Your Information
Example 1: “FYI, the meeting got rescheduled.”
Example 2: “FYI, the deadline is tomorrow.”
Good for sharing important or helpful information.
LMAO – Laughing My Ass Off
Example 1: “That joke was too funny, LMAO!”
Example 2: “I’m watching this show and LMAO the entire time!”
A more intense version of LOL, often used for something that’s extra funny.
BFF – Best Friends Forever
Example 1: “You’re my BFF! Let’s plan a trip together.”
Example 2: “I miss my BFF, we haven’t hung out in so long.”
Shows closeness and lifelong friendship.
ROFL – Rolling On the Floor Laughing
Example 1: “That video was ROFL, I couldn’t stop laughing!”
Example 2: “You’re too funny, ROFL!”
When something is even funnier than LMAO.
NVM – Nevermind
Example 1: “NVM, I figured it out.”
Example 2: “NVM, it wasn’t that important.”
A polite way to cancel or take back a previous statement.
ASAP – As Soon As Possible
Example 1: “Can you send me the report ASAP?”
Example 2: “We need to leave ASAP if we want to make it on time.”
Used when something needs urgent attention.
ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
Example 1: “ICYMI, the event was canceled.”
Example 2: “ICYMI, here’s a recap of the meeting.”
Great for providing updates or recaps.
TMI – Too Much Information
Example 1: “That’s TMI, I didn’t need to know all the details!”
Example 2: “Whoa, TMI about your night out!”
Used when someone shares too much personal or unnecessary information.
IDC – I Don’t Care
IDC is a short form of “I don’t care”, is used to indicate indifference or a lack of preference. For example:
- Where do you want to eat? IDC, you pick.
- IDC what movie we watch tonight.
FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out
Example 1: “I’m going to the party, I don’t want FOMO!”
Example 2: “I always get FOMO when I see my friends hanging out without me.”
Describes the feeling of wanting to be part of something exciting.
YOLO – You Only Live Once
Example 1: “Just book the trip, YOLO!”
Example 2: “Should I buy the shoes? YOLO!”
Used to encourage seizing opportunities and living in the moment.
JK – Just Kidding
Example 1: “I ate your dessert… JK!”
Example 2: “JK, I’m not actually moving.”
Indicates that a previous statement was a joke.
ILY – I Love You
Example 1: “Goodnight! ILY!”
Example 2: “Just wanted to say ILY, miss you!”
Expresses affection and love.
B4 – Before
A short way of saying “before”.
Examples:
- I ‘ve seen that movie B4.
- Call me B4 you leave.
OMW – On My Way
Lets others know you are en route to a location. For example:
- OMW to the party, see you soon!
- Running late, but I’m OMW now.
ILYSM – I Love You So Much
Example 1: “Thanks for the gift! ILYSM!”
Example 2: “ILYSM, you mean the world to me.”
An enhanced form of ILY, showing deeper affection.
GR8 – Great
Example 1: “That’s GR8 news, congratulations!”
Example 2: “Had a GR8 time hanging out yesterday.”
An abbreviation for the word “great.”
CUL8R – See You Later
Example 1: “I have to go now, CUL8R!”
Example 2: “CUL8R, let’s chat tomorrow.”
A quick way to say goodbye.
TTFN – Ta-Ta For Now
Example 1: “I have to run, TTFN!”
Example 2: “TTFN, I’ll text you when I’m free.”
Another way of saying goodbye temporarily.
WYD – What You Doing
Example 1: “WYD this weekend?”
Example 2: “WYD later? Want to hang out?”
Used to ask what someone is doing at the moment.
HBU – How About You?
HBU means “How about you?”. This texting form is mostly used as a simple way to ask someone how they are or what they are doing. See the examples:
- I’m watching a movie. HBU?
- I just finished work, HBU?
LMK – Let Me Know
LMK stands for “let me know” and is commonly used when we want to know something, request information or updates. Here are some examples of sentences using this texting abbreviation.
- LMK if you’re free tomorrow.
- LMK what time you’ll be there.
RN – Right Now
RN is a short form of “Right now”. This texting shorthand is used to indicate the current moment. See the examples:
- I’m heading to the store RN.
- What are you up to RN?
TBF – To Be Fair
TBF means “to be fair” and is used when offering a balanced perspective. See the examples:
- TBF, it wasn’t that bad.
- He did try his best, TBF.
HMU – Hit Me Up
HMU stands for “Hit me up” and is used as an invitation to contact or message someone. For example:
- HMU when you’re in town.
- If you need anything, HMU!
GTG – Got To Go
GTG means got to go. This texting abbreviation is used to quickly wrap up a conversation. See the examples:
- I have a meeting, GTG!
- GTG now, talk to you later.
OTP – On The Phone
Example 1: “Can’t talk, I’m OTP with my mom.”
Example 2: “I’ll call you back, I’m OTP.”
Lets others know you’re on a call.
BF – Boyfriend
Example 1: “My BF surprised me with flowers today!”
Example 2: “Going out with my BF tonight.”
Refers to a romantic partner.
GF – Girlfriend
Example 1: “My GF and I are going to dinner.”
Example 2: “I’m planning a surprise for my GF.”
Used when referring to a romantic partner.
DM – Direct Message
Example 1: “Send me a DM if you have questions.”
Example 2: “We’ll continue the conversation in the DMs.”
Private messaging feature on social media platforms.
PPL – People
Example 1: “The party was full of cool PPL.”
Example 2: “Some PPL are just too funny.”
Short for “people.”
FTW – For The Win
Example 1: “Pizza for dinner, FTW!”
Example 2: “You aced the test? FTW!”
Used to celebrate a win or something great.
SFW – Safe For Work
Example 1: “That video is SFW, you can watch it at the office.”
Example 2: “It’s a funny meme, don’t worry, it’s SFW.”
Content that is appropriate for professional environments.
NSFW – Not Safe For Work
Example 1: “Don’t open that link at work, it’s NSFW.”
Example 2: “The image is NSFW, be careful.”
Content that’s inappropriate for the workplace.
AFK – Away From Keyboard
Example 1: “I’ll be AFK for a bit, need to step out.”
Example 2: “AFK, I’m grabbing lunch.”
Common in gaming and online communities, meaning you’re away from your device.
IIRC – If I Recall Correctly
Example 1: “IIRC, the meeting starts at 2 PM.”
Example 2: “IIRC, we met last summer.”
Used when trying to remember something.
TIA – Thanks In Advance
Example 1: “Can you send me the details? TIA!”
Example 2: “TIA for your help with this!”
Shows appreciation ahead of receiving assistance.
FTL – For The Loss
Example 1: “The game was terrible, FTL.”
Example 2: “We lost by one point, FTL!”
The opposite of FTW, used to express disappointment.
XOXO – Hugs and Kisses
Example 1: “Goodnight! XOXO!”
Example 2: “Thanks for everything, XOXO!”
Used to express affection or love in written form.
Conclusion: Texting Abbreviations
Learning texting abbreviations will not only speed up your texting but also make your communication feel more effortless and natural.
Texting abbreviations are commonly used while sending text messages. The main purpose of using texting abbreviations in messaging is to speed up texting and make your communication smoother, effortless, and natural.
Learning texting abbreviations and using in your texting is a great way to save time and convey your message effortlessly.
Whether you are sending casual text messages or quick updates at work, using these texting abbreviations will help you stay connected with your family, friends, or colleagues.
I hope this article helped you to learn popular texting abbreviations along with examples of how to use them effectively.
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