Texting & Internet Abbreviations
Learn the short forms people actually use in texts, chats, and online: IDK, BTW, TBH, ASAP, and more.
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Terms in this deck
- IDKshort for "I don't know"
- BTWshort for "by the way," used to add extra information
- IMOshort for "in my opinion"
- TBHshort for "to be honest"
- FYIshort for "for your information"
- ASAPshort for "as soon as possible"
- LOLshort for "laughing out loud," used when something is funny
- BRBshort for "be right back"
- OMGshort for "oh my god," used to show surprise
- TTYLshort for "talk to you later"
- NVMshort for "never mind"
- JKshort for "just kidding"
- IKRshort for "I know, right?", used to agree with someone
- SMHshort for "shaking my head," used to show disapproval
- FOMOthe fear of missing out on something fun others are doing
- YOLOsaid to justify doing something bold or risky
- RSVPused on invitations to ask people to confirm if they are coming
- ETAshort for "estimated time of arrival"
- FAQshort for "frequently asked questions"
- DIYshort for "do it yourself"
- AKAshort for "also known as"
- BFFshort for "best friends forever"
- WFHshort for "work from home"
- OOOshort for "out of office"
- TL;DRshort for "too long, didn't read," used to give a quick summary
- IRLshort for "in real life," not online
- GTGshort for "got to go"
- HMUshort for "hit me up," meaning to contact someone
- NPshort for "no problem"
- TMIshort for "too much information"
- ILYshort for "I love you"
- ROFLshort for "rolling on the floor laughing," used when something is very funny
- TBDshort for "to be determined," used when a detail isn't decided yet
- THXshort for "thanks"
- RNshort for "right now"
- XOXOshort for "hugs and kisses," used to sign off a message
- LMAOshort for "laughing my ass off," used when something is very funny, informal
- NGLshort for "not gonna lie," used before an honest opinion
- FTWshort for "for the win," used to celebrate something great
- TGIFshort for "thank god it's Friday"
- FWIWshort for "for what it's worth," used before giving an opinion
- AMAshort for "ask me anything"
- ICYMIshort for "in case you missed it"
- PSAshort for "public service announcement," used to share an important reminder
- AFKshort for "away from keyboard," used to say you'll step away for a moment
- IDCshort for "I don't care"
How to study this deck
Texting abbreviations are used in chats, social media and informal emails: IDK, BTW, ASAP, LOL. Learn which are neutral (ASAP, FYI, BTW) and which are only for friends (LOL, OMG, TTYL). Note: in formal emails it is better to write full phrases, except ASAP and FYI, which are accepted at work.
The trickiest words
- IMO / IMHO: IMO is "in my opinion" and IMHO is "in my humble opinion". They soften a comment.
- TBH: it means "to be honest". It introduces a frank opinion.
- ASAP: it means as soon as possible. It is widely used at work, even in emails.
Examples in context
IDK what time the movie starts.
Please send the file ASAP.
You owe me $100, JK.
What's your ETA?
I'll be OOO next week.
"Thanks for helping!" "NP!"
I'm busy RN, can I call you back?
FWIW, I think you made the right choice.
Mini dialogue
- A: BTW, are you coming tonight?
- B: IDK yet. TBH I am tired.
- A: LOL, you are always tired. BRB.
- B: IMO you should come. TTYL!