Texting has now been around for over 25 years and it’s estimated that 8 trillion text messages are sent globally every year. Like it or not, texting abbreviations (like the ubiquitous “LOL”) are very commonly used in messages—and not knowing their meaning can at best cause confusion and at worst get you in trouble.
And by the way, the correct terminology is “texting abbreviations”—you may have also seen “text abbreviations,” but this vaguer term is incorrect.
Why Abbreviate?
In the olden days before “unlimited talk and text” data plans, text messages were expensive to send and receive and because they were limited to 160 characters per message, every character was precious.
Texting using a standard telephone keypad was also a laborious process, requiring multiple key presses per character. So, mobile phone users adapted to clunky keypads and character limits by abbreviating common words and phrases.
As texting became popular, a new language of acronyms and texting abbreviations evolved and became embedded in texting and internet culture. Despite our smartphones having full keyboards, texting abbreviations are still convenient shortcuts and remain a staple in communications worldwide.
Read on for our essential list of common texting abbreviations so you don’t make the mistake of sending an “LOL” when “my deepest condolences” is the appropriate response.
1. 2nite
2nite: Tonight
The numeral “2” is often substituted for “to” or “too” when texting. For example, “2moro” (“tomorrow”) and “G2G” (“got to go”).
Example: I’m free 2nite. Got dinner plans?
2. CYA
CYA: See ya
“C” is often used as a stand-in for “see,” such as “CYT” (“see you tomorrow”) and “CU” (“see you”).
Example: Great chat! Gotta study for my final now. CYA
3. B4N
B4N: Bye for now
Example: Just got 2 work. B4N
4. BC
BC: Because
Example: Tacos for lunch bc it’s Tuesday!
5. BTW
BTW: By the way
Example: BTW I ate your plums in the fridge. So sweet, so cold!
Example: Your new blog post is going viral on Twitter btw.
6. DM
DM: Direct message
On social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, a “direct message” is a private message that only the recipient can access, rather than a post that’s publicly visible.
Example: Thanks for responding to my “roommate wanted” ad. DM me for more info and photos of the room.
The phrase “sliding into her/his/their DMs” (which has inspired many memes) typically refers to an admirer sending a bold or suave direct message to a stranger in order to spark a flirtation.
Example: Btw I just read this guy’s essay on the Oxford comma. Swoon! Am sliding into his DMs.
7. FTW
FTW: For the win
The exact origins of this phrase are debated—Hollywood Squares, rugby, and World of Warcraft have all been cited as popularizing it. It’s typically used as a rallying cry or as an exclamation of celebration, sometimes ironically.
Example: Almost finished with my final class project. One more late night ftw!
Example: Big client meeting this afternoon and my lunch explodes all over my white blouse. Tacos FTW.
8. FWIW
FWIW: For what it’s worth
Example: Hey FWIW just want to say you’re an amazing writer.
9. IDK
IDK: I don’t know
Similar abbreviations include “DK” (“don’t know”) and “IDC” (“I don’t care”).
IDK what you mean, and IDC. Acronyms FTW.
Example: Why does no one know what IDK means?
10. ILY
ILY: I love you
Example: Thanks for bringing me pizza today! ILY
Example: ILY bae! Sweet dreams.
11. IMO
IMO: in my opinion
“IMHO” (“in my humble opinion”) is another common variation.
Example: IMO that rug really tied the room together.
12. IRL
IRL: In real life
This phrase is typically used to differentiate between online (or media) personas, and how things are in reality.
Example: Did you know Jon Snow and Ygritte are married IRL?
Example: It looks big in photos, but irl the Mona Lisa is tiny.
13. JK
JK: Just kidding
You might genuinely use this texting abbreviation while joking around, but it’s also frequently used to indicate sarcasm.
Example: Just finished my novel! JK. 60,000 more words to go…
14. LMK
LMK: Let me know
Example: Hey, LMK if you want pizza or tacos for dinner tonight.
15. LOL
LOL: Laughing out loud
Occasionally mistaken for “Lots Of Love,” LOL is one of the most widely known texting abbreviations and has been around for almost 30 years.
Originally it was used in texting and chatting to communicate that you found something so funny that you were literally moved to laughter. Over time LOL has evolved from its original meaning and is now typically used to signal that you’re amused or even just tracking with what the other person is saying (like a virtual nod).
Example: Me: Been waiting 30 minutes for my train, but I’m so into this novel I didn’t notice it was late! Debbie: LOL
Example: Wondered why my mac n’ cheese was bland, then realized I forgot to add the cheese packet. LOL
16. NBD
NBD: No big deal
Can be used to genuinely say that something isn’t that important, but can also be used to downplay a brag or sarcastically to show what a big deal something actually is.
Example: I’d like the mango mochi ice cream, but nbd if they only have strawberry.
Example: Chatted with Neil Gaiman for 10 minutes at a book signing and by some miracle did not make a fool of myself. NBD
17. NP
NP: No problem
Example: NP that you’re running late, I just left the house too.
18. NSFW
NSFW: Not safe for work
Example: Here’s the link to the music video, but wait till you get home to watch, it’s NSFW.
19. NVM
NVM: Nevermind
Example: Can you buy more ketchup? Oh nvm, just found the bottle in the door.
20. OMG
OMG: Oh my God
A popular and long-used abbreviation, the Oxford English Dictionary has traced usage of “OMG” back to the early 1900s, but this exclamation didn’t come into common use on the internet until the 1990s.
Example: OMG this bookstore is having a huge sale! Let’s hope there’s also a bookshelf sale…
21. OTOH
OTOH: On the other hand
This phrase is used to compare the two sides of an argument.
Example: It’s midnight, I’m tired, and I should probably go to bed. OTOH I have unlimited popcorn and three more seasons of Game of Thrones to watch!
22. OMW
OMW: On my way
Example: Feel free to grab a table, I’m OMW.
23. ROFL
ROFL: Rolling on floor laughing
This acronym is typically used when responding to something especially funny—so funny that “LOL” and “LMAO” are not enough to convey how hilarious you think it is.
Example: My friend just asked when the “Winds of Winter” release date is. ROFL
24. SO
SO: Significant other
Example: I’d love to get together for a game night! I’ll check the calendar with my SO and get back to you.
25. TBH
TBH: To be honest
This phrase is used to indicate that you’re expressing your true opinion.
Example: I am not a fan of jello. It’s way too wiggly, TBH
26. THX
THX: Thanks
Example: Can you send me the link to the event page? THX
Example: THX for bringing donuts for our team!
27. TMI
TMI: Too much information
Usually used when someone reveals information that is shocking or unpleasant in some way.
Example: I just learned how hotdogs are made. TMI
28. TTYL
TTYL: Talk to you later
Similar variations include “TTYT” (“talk to you tomorrow”) and “TTFN (“ta-ta for now”).
Example: Gotta sign off now. TTYL
29. YOLO
YOLO: You only live once
Life is short, so why not live it up? Seize the day. Step outside of your comfort zone. Take risks. Do what’s exciting, silly, fun, or even a little dangerous.
Example: Splurged on tickets and am heading to Comic-Con! YOLO
Example: Ordering the extra extra spicy wings against my better judgement. YOLO
