Text messaging is a convenient method of communication, and text message abbreviations are a significant part of it. People use text messaging to connect with their loved ones and businesses to target audiences. An estimated eight trillion messages are sent annually, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. One of the reasons why people continue to use SMS as their first communication option is its personalization features. It allows users to create text message abbreviations to best describe their intent without using too many characters.
Text message abbreviations are shortened versions of phrases or words that cut times and characters. In the past, understanding text-speak was something cool parents did to connect with their kids. But these days, businesses of all sizes are now incorporating text acronyms into their marketing campaigns to communicate with customers, create loyalty, and increase sales. Learning text message abbreviations is now a must for those who want to keep up with the convenience and brevity of SMS messaging. Let’s understand and know more about the:
30 most common text message abbreviations in 2022
- ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
- STFU: Shut the *swear word!* up
- ICYMI: In case you missed it
- TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read
- LMK: Let me know
- NVM: Nevermind
- TGIF: Thank goodness it’s Friday
- TBH: To be honest
- TBF: To be frank
- RN: Right now
- QOTD: Quote of the day
- OOTD: Outfit of the day
- BRB: Be right back
- BTW: By the way
- LOL: Laugh out loud
- TTYL: Talk to you later
- HMU: Hit me up
- FWIW: For what it’s worth
- IMO: In my opinion
- IMHO: In my humble opinion
- IDK: I don’t know
- TBA: To be announced
- TBD: To be decided
- BC: Because
- CYA: See ya
- DM: Direct Message
- IRL: In real life
- NBD: No big deal
- NP: No problem
- NSFW: Not safe for work
1. ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
ROFL is an abbreviation that people use online to indicate when they are laughing hard, usually at something hilarious. It is often used to reply to something funny in a text message conversation. ROFL goes well with several exclamation points and laughing/crying emojis. This text message abbreviation is best shared between friends and family.
2. STFU: Shut the *swear word!* up
STFU is a term often used online to tell someone to stop talking. It is considered rude and impolite, so it should only be used with people you know well and are comfortable with. This text message abbreviation is usually used in jest and is not meant to be taken seriously.
3. ICYMI: In case you missed it
Have you seen this text abbreviation before? ICYMI stands for “in case you missed it.” It’s helpful to know. Try using #ICYMI for photos you took a while ago but never posted, like from a family member’s wedding that you forgot about. You can also use it on more recent pictures of events in your life. It is often in the caption or subject line of “old” news stories and emails, but it is also a typical text message abbreviation.
4. TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read
TLDR is commonly used in response to an unnecessarily long opinion piece. If your colleague writes a novel-like post about their daily tasks, save yourself time by replying, “TLDR, but I hope you get it all done!” Often, users attempt to be proactive about “TLDR.” If you’re reading anything formal like journalism or an extensive social media post, you may come across “TLDR,” which is usually abbreviated as “TL;DR.” Afterward, there will be a summary so that even the speediest scrollers can understand the main points.
5. LMK: Let me know
“Let me know,” or LMK, is a helpful phrase in many situations. It is used to nudge someone along or get one’s attention. If you’re planning an event with a group and one person isn’t sure if they can make it, text LMK for them to inform you about their decision. Hopefully, they’ll let you know in enough time for proper preparations.
6. NVM: Nevermind
Have you ever started to say something but then realized it wasn’t necessary? In that case, you can use “NVM,” or “never mind.” It’s a way of indicating that you’ve changed your mind or that what you were going to say is no longer relevant.
7. TGIF: Thank goodness it’s Friday!
This text message abbreviation has been used even outside the SMS world. It generally means happy Friday and finally being done with the work week. It is seen on t-shirts, mugs, social media posts, and more. During conversions, you can use this acronym to express relief and happiness that the weekend fun has begun.
8. TBH: To be honest
To be honest, TBH is the twin sister of FWIW (For Whatever It’s Worth). It’s another way to express a strong or possibly offensive opinion politely. The next time your aunt texts the family chat is asking who wants to eat tuna casserole at her house tonight, try saying, “TBH, tuna casserole is not my fave.” Although we can’t guarantee that text abbreviations will soften the blow, it’s worth a shot. There are certain times when texting is better than speaking in person.
9. TBF: To be frank
To be frank, this is another way to say “to be honest.” It can add emphasis to your statement or make it seem more important. For example, let’s say your friend asks about your date last night. You could reply with just “good,” but if you want to be more descriptive, you might say, “TBF, it was good.” It gives your friend a better idea of how the date went and whether or not they should pursue their interest in this person.
10. RN: Right now
“RN” stands for “right now.” It’s commonly used to indicate that something is happening at the present moment. You can use this if you’re at a concert and your friend texts you asking how it is; you might reply, “It’s amazing! RN!” It means that you’re enjoying the show, and they should check it out when they have the chance.
11. QOTD: Quote of the day
Quote of the day is often seen online, such as in social media posts, emails, and blogs. It’s a simple way to start or end your day with inspiration. You can even use this text message abbreviation in your messages to friends. If you have a go-to quote that makes you feel better, share it with your friends by texting QOTD, followed by the quote.
12. OOTD: Outfit of the day
This text message abbreviation is commonly used on social media, especially Instagram. It’s a way to show off your new outfit or current style. You can also use it to get fashion inspiration from friends. If you’re stuck in a style rut, reach out to your fashionable friends and ask them to share their OOTD.
13. BRB: Be right back
This term is used when you have to leave an interaction to attend to another task abruptly. It’s typically used when the person leaving is confident they’ll only be gone for a few minutes or seconds. An example of its use is, “BRB; I need to answer a phone call.”
14. BTW: By the way
“BTW” is an abbreviation for “by the way.” It is a bit more informal and can be seen as lighthearted when used in the proper context. Using “BTW” can deliver the same message more positively. For example, “BTW, Jeff will come to the house around three this afternoon to pick up his coat.”
15. LOL: Laugh out loud
The texting acronym “LOL” is now commonly used to express amusem*nt, even if it’s just mild amusem*nt. For example, you could respond with “LOL!!” and a happy emoji when your friend tells you a funny story. Or you could say something like, “I forgot to have breakfast today, LOL.” It’s the sort of reaction you have when you can’t think of anything else to say. Also, it bears mentioning that “LOL” doesn’t stand for “lots of love.” When texting abbreviations first became popular, many people made this embarrassing mistake.
16. TTYL: Talk to you later
TTYL is commonly used to end a conversation or as a short-term farewell abruptly. It’s more casual than other expressions of goodbye and typically indicates that the speaker will return soon. You may use this to say, “Need to run errands now, TTYL.”
17. HMU: Hit me up
HMU is an abbreviation for the words “Hit me Up.” It is an expression that means “contact me.” This phrase became popular during the pagers and beeper period, wherein a message recipient is hit-up. The pagers will sound an alarm to indicate an incoming message. When text messages became trendy, the expression stuck and became a typical abbreviation. HMU became the best way to say contact me during the late 2000s. Even when pagers are no longer used, this text acronym thrived and was shortened to HMU.
18. FWIW: For what it’s worth
FWIW stands for “For What It’s Worth.” It is one of the most frank but polite text message abbreviations in conversations. FWIW is a great opener and a kinder way to proceed toward a healthy option. An example of its use is, “FWIW, I never really liked the shoes you bought anyway.”
19. IMO: In my opinion
IMO, which means “In my opinion,” is a common abbreviation used in online and text messaging. People use this acronym in forums when they express their preferences without picking up an argument. It is a polite way of speaking about subjective topics without the intention of hurting other people’s feelings. This text message abbreviation may be used to start a reply regarding specific issues in the conversion.
20. IMHO: In my humble opinion
IMHO is an acronym that stands for, in my humble opinion. As a standard typing shortcut, it’s often used in online and SMS communication. It’s worth noting that when this term is capitalized, the user is equivalent to shouting. Another form of this acronym that you might see is IMNSHO, standing for, in my not-so-humble opinion. These are typically used to introduce or qualify statements, as they communicate one’s views rather than those from external sources or require blind acceptance.
21. IDK: I don’t know
The phrase “IDK” is an abbreviation for “I don’t know,” which perfectly represents how you felt about all these text abbreviations before you learned their true meanings. Next time your child texts you asking where their favorite shirt is, reply with, “IDK, ask your mother/father/sibling.”
22. TBA: To be announced
This phrase is commonly seen on event posters, as the organizers have not yet decided on all the details. For example, you might see “TBA: time and location.” It’s also used as “TBA soon,” which means more information will be announced later.
23. TBD: To be decided
TBD is short for “to be decided.” It’s commonly used when the outcome of something has yet to be determined. By utilizing TBA and TBD, you can avoid countless questions regarding a new product or sale that isn’t set in stone yet. Here is an example, “We’re excited to announce our latest product! Keep an eye out for it. The release date is TBA. In the meantime, you can find more information here: [Link].”
24. BC: Because
The term “BC” does not stand for “before Christ” in texting shorthand. It is an acronym for “because.” More often than not, text abbreviations are lowercase. For example, you might see something like this: “Wanted to check on you bc I haven’t talked to you in a while.”
25. CYA: See ya
CYA is an acronym for “see ya.” It’s a casual way of saying goodbye, often used when someone is signing off for the day or night. In some cases, it can also be used as a gentle brush-off. For example, if you’re not interested in continuing a conversation, you might say “CYA later” to end things abruptly.
26. DM: Direct Message
If you’ve ever had someone tell you they were going to “slide into your DMs” and been confused, don’t worry–you’re not alone. DM stands for direct message, a private messaging option on apps like Twitter and Instagram. Abbreviations are often used in texting to save time and space, but they can also be flirtatious. For example, “DM me” is an abbreviation for “Direct Message me,” which implies that the speaker wants a more private conversation.
27. IRL: In real life
This expression is beneficial because it often helps build relationships. The term “IRL” stands for “in real life,” which people use to say they want to meet up with somebody instead of communicating online or over the phone. For example, you could text a friend saying, “Would love to see you soon IRL!”
28. NBD: No big deal
“No big deal” and its abbreviation NBD is often seen around the internet and in text messages, but what does it mean? It’s simply an abbreviation for “no problem.” It is an easily said phase that could have many different uses. You can use it earnestly, as in, “don’t worry about being a few minutes late; it’s NBD! Next time someone says they can’t make it to your party, you could text back “NBD”–even if you’re silently fuming.
29. NP: No problem
A logical response to “ty,” “YW,” or “yw” would be mean saying, “you’re welcome.” Similarly, “NP” or “np” also means “Thank You.” However, “NP” can respond to an apology just as acceptably as it could to thanks: For example: If someone said, “I’m going to be a few minutes late tonight!” one could reply by simply stating, “NP.”
30. NSFW: Not safe for work
“NSFW” means “not safe for work.” It’s typically used to warn that the material being sent or received may not be appropriate for the workplace. It includes things like profanity, nudity, or violence. NSFW content is typically marked with a warning label to avoid offending or surprising the recipient. For example, you might see a message that says, “Warning: This link is NSFW.”
What are Text Abbreviations?
Text abbreviations are shortened versions of words or phrases. They are commonly used in informal communication, such as text messaging, email, and instant messaging. Text abbreviations are widely used to communicate more efficiently while still understanding the meaning of the words.
Most people find it inconvenient to type out complete sentences or need to check the character count of text messages to express themselves.
Text abbreviations exist to make it simpler for the user to communicate what they want.
Even if it isn’t always apparent what these abbreviations mean, with a bit of investigation and understanding of the context in which they are used, these abbreviations help you to communicate quickly and effectively.
We all know how frustrating it can be when somebody uses an abbreviation we don’t quite understand. Explain what the abbreviations mean before continuing the conversation to avoid potential miscommunications.
Why does Text Abbreviations exist?
Text abbreviations exist because they are a convenient way to communicate. They save time by allowing you to express more with fewer characters. In addition, text abbreviations can help you to save on your data usage if you are on a limited data plan. You can send and receive more messages using fewer characters without going over your data cap.
Nowadays, it is normal to see abbreviations in texts since we have fewer characters to work with on our phones. However, before smartphones and even keyboard phones became popular, texters had a minimal number of characters—only 160. Moreover, before “unlimited” plans became available, each text cost money to send.
Typing messages using the traditional keypad on phones was also tricky. So, texters had to get creative to communicate with as few characters as possible.
Where are Text Abbreviations most commonly used?
Text abbreviations are commonly used in informal communication, such as text messaging, email, and instant messaging. Younger generations typically use text abbreviations and slang, and about two-thirds of adult texters also use them.
Text abbreviations help save time for people who communicate primarily through text messages. However, businesses should also use them occasionally to stay relevant.
When you want to get your point across rapidly or save some time, using text abbreviations is helpful as you don’t need to write out each word completely. The least you can do becomes familiar with the meanings of the most common text abbreviations so that you will know how to respond appropriately.
How to use Text Abbreviations?
Text abbreviations and acronyms are commonly used in social media and text conversations with customers, colleagues, and other businesses. Even when you use abbreviations sparingly, your friends and customers may also use them. Thus you must understand what they mean and how to use them. Here are some types of text abbreviations and how you can use them.
- ICYMI, In Case You Missed It: “ICYMI: Don’t miss out on our summer sale! Discounts end soon. [Link]”
- NSFW, Not Safe For Work: “Hey, before you click on that Link, I just wanted to let you know it’s NSFW. Thanks!”
- TBH, To Be Honest: “TBH, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. Let me check with my manager and get back to you.”
- TBA, To Be Announced: “Our product is almost complete; find out more here: [Link] Expected release date: TBA.”
- OOO, Out of Office: I am currently OOO, but I’ll be able to answer your questions and concerns starting on April 10th.
- TGIF! Come to [RESTAURANT NAME] and celebrate the start of the weekend with two-for-one appetizers when you show this text.
What are the things to avoid when using abbreviations?
Text abbreviations can be helpful. But it’s also easy to misuse them and come across the wrong way. One reason this happens is that slang changes quickly, so a text abbreviation that was popular last month might make you look out of touch now. To avoid this, steer clear of these mistakes when texting.
Don’t use text abbreviations that could be misinterpreted. For example, “LOL” could mean “laugh out loud,” “lots of love,” or “little old lady.” If you’re unsure how the recipient will interpret an abbreviation, spell it out instead.
Don’t use text slang in formal communications. Slang is acceptable in informal conversations with friends, but avoid using it when texting customers, clients, or colleagues. You want to be professional and respectful, so save the slang for personal conversations.
Don’t overuse abbreviations. Using a few abbreviations can save time and add personality to your texts. But if you use too many, your message will be difficult to understand. So, use text abbreviations sparingly and only when appropriate.
Can Text Abbreviations be useful for Text Message Marketing?
Yes. Text abbreviations can be helpful in text message marketing. Some text abbreviations are acceptable in business and marketing communications for being concise and staying on point. It shows that your brand is keeping up with the latest trends. Although texting abbreviations may save you time, overuse can make your messages challenging to read and look unprofessional.
The key is to find a balance. Use well-known text abbreviations sparingly (no more than a couple per text message), and you’ll be able to connect with your customers in a way they’ll both recognize and appreciate.
Can Text Abbreviations be useful for Universities?
Yes. Text abbreviations can be helpful for universities as well. They can help you save time texting students about important information and updates. Formal and business-related abbreviations are best when communicating with students, faculty, and parents. Use well-known text abbreviations and avoid overusing them to maintain a professional image.
For example, if there’s a change in the class schedule, you can text, “Classes are canceled today. New schedule TBA.” It is a concise way to communicate vital information to students without overloading them with details. Know more about SMS Marketing for Universities, its Importance, and Tips.
Are there Inappropriate Text Abbreviations?
Yes. While most text abbreviations are harmless, there are some that you should avoid using, as they can be considered inappropriate for business and formal communications. These include abbreviations related to profanity, sex, or illegal activities.
It’s best to use caution when texting abbreviations, as they can be misinterpreted. If you’re unsure whether an abbreviation is appropriate, it’s best to spell out the word or phrase instead. It will help you avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Is slang the same as Text Abbreviations?
No. Slang is a type of informal language that includes words and phrases that aren’t typically found in formal communications. Slang is often used in casual conversations with friends and can change quickly. Text abbreviations are a type of shorthand that can be used in texting and other electronic communications. Unlike slang, text abbreviations are usually more stable and can be understood by a wider audience.
