Keeping up with texting abbreviations can be somewhat daunting. Funnily enough, the ones you already know are enough work.
However, we have good news. You don’t have to stay confused or stressed out about texting abbreviations. Neither should you ignore them.
Texting abbreviations are not limited to informal conversations. Businesses also use them.
In a nutshell, texting abbreviations are crucial for our routine life. They are unavoidable.At the same time, we understand that you probably can’t learn EVERY texting abbreviation and acronym. You only need a base to start.This guide can help with that.
In this article, we shall look at the must-know texting abbreviations – how and when they are used.
100 Most Popular Texting Abbreviations
1. LOL – Laugh Out Loud
2. BTW – By The Way
3. BRB – Be Right Back
4. NP – No Problem
5. FYI – For Your Information
6. OMW – On My Way
7. YOLO – You Only Live Once
8. AFAIK – As Far As I Know
9. TTYL – Talk To You Later
10. IMO – In My Opinion
11. TMI – Too Much Information
12. AFK – Away From Keyboard
13. KK – Okay
14. BFF – Best Friends Forever
15. IRL – In Real Life
16. JK – Just Kidding
17. OMG – Oh My God
18. HTH – Hope That Helps
19. TTYS – Talk To You Soon
20. IMHO – In My Humble Opinion
21. YW – You’re Welcome
22. G2G – Got To Go
23. IDK – I Don’t Know
24. IME – In My Experience
25. TY – Thank You
26. BBL – Be Back Later
27. TBH – To Be Honest
28. ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
29. NP – No Problem
30. GAL – Get A Life
31. GR8 – Great
32. GM – Good Morning
33. GTG – Got To Go
34. IC – I See
35. JTLYK – Just To Let You Know
36. KIT – Keep In Touch
37. LMK – Let Me Know
38. NVM – Never Mind
39. PPL – People
40. ROTFL – Rolling On The Floor Laughing
41. SOS – Same Old Stuff
42. THX – Thanks
43. WC – Welcome
44. WTF – What The F***
45. WTG – Way To Go
46. YG – You Go
47. ASL – Age, Sex, Location
48. B4 – Before
49. B4N – Bye For Now
50. BAK – Back At Keyboard
51. BCNU – Be Seeing You
52. CUL8R – See You Later
53. CUZ – Because
54. F2F – Face To Face
55. FWIW – For What It’s Worth
56. FYA – For Your Amusement
57. G9 – Genius
58. GB – Goodbye
59. GF – Girlfriend
60. GMTA – Great Minds Think Alike
61. HAND – Have A Nice Day
62. HHIS – Hanging Head In Shame
63. IAC – In Any Case
64. IANAC – I Am Not A Crook
65. IC – I See
65. IDC – I Don’t Care
66. ILY – I Love You
67. IOW – In Other Words
68. IRU – I Are You
69. ISO – In Search Of
70. J4F – Just For Fun
71. K – Okay
72. KOTC – Kiss On The Cheek
73. L8R – Later
74. LMAO – Laughing My Ass Off
75. LMK – Let Me Know
76. LTNS – Long Time No See
77. M8 – Mate
78. MHOTY – My Hat’s Off To You
79. NALOPKT – Not A Lot Of People Know That
80. NFW – No F***ing Way
81. NIFOC – Naked In Front Of Computer
82. NP – No Problem
83. NRN – No Reply Necessary
84. OIC – Oh, I See
85. OTOH – On The Other Hand
86. P2P – Peer To Peer
87. PDA – Public Display Of Affection
88. R – Are
89. ROTFLMAO – Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off
90. RL – Real Life
91. S2R – Send To Receive
92. SMH – Shaking My Head
93. SO – Significant Other
94. SOS – Same Old Stuff
95. STFU – Shut The F*** Up
96. TIA – Thanks In Advance
97. TPTB – The Powers That Be
98. TTFN – Ta Ta For Now
99. TX – Thanks
100. VSF – Very Sad Face
20 Texting Abbreviations And Acronyms – With Examples
Note: this list contains informal (10), formal (5), and technical (5) texting abbreviations. And we didn’t list “easy” picks like B4 (before) and 2nite (tonight).That said, let’s delve in!
ASAP
ASAP translates to “as soon as possible.”
Often, this abbreviation is used to state urgency. For example, you might be trying to reach a friend or relative but to no avail. Then, you could drop a text like:Hey, how are you? Please get back to me ASAP!
Informal settings aside, you could also use ASAP in business dialogue.E.g.,Meyer, could you kindly prioritize file A? We need it ASAP!
Similar abbreviation: ASAYGTA (as soon as you get this).
ATM
While ATM can also mean “automated teller machine,” that’s not the meaning in texting abbreviations.In texts, ATM means “at the moment.”
Generally, ATM in texting indicates busyness. For example:Hey, I missed your call. But I’m driving ATM; I’ll chat you up ASAP!
Outside indicating busyness, you can also use ATM (instead of presently) to describe your current situation or location.E.g.,I’m juggling B/N (between) tutoring and caregiving ATM – till I get a better offer.
AWOL
AWOL translates to “away without official leave.”
By default, this acronym is a military term for officers who abscond duty without permission. But generally, it is used to express absence or unavailability.
For example, Chloe Sullivan (from Smallville) said:Clark has gone AWOL.Meaning: she can’t find Clark – her friend, Superman.
That use case of AWOL isn’t correct. BC (because) Clark doesn’t need an official leave from Chloe.
Nevertheless, you can use AWOL anyhow you want – as long as it means absence.E.g.,Hey man, you’ve been AWOL? RU (are you) good?
BRB
BRB translates to “be right back.”
And the meaning is straightforward. BRB can be likened to putting your call on hold. You know, like saying hold on. I’ve to attend to something important right away. But don’t go off!
Example:I’m REALLY enjoying this chat. But I have to check the food in the microwave. BRB!
Similar abbreviation: B4N (bye for now) can also indicate a temporary absence. But unlike BRB, B4N can be till the next day or 2-3days.
Pro tip: if you won’t get back to the person at the end of the chat in a few minutes or hours, use B4N or TTYL (talk to you later) instead of BRB.
BTW
BTW means “by the way.”
This abbreviation is perhaps one of the most popular. You’ll find it in formal and informal dialogues to express “side information.”
Example:Hey, I found the picture on UR (your) tab – thanks. BTW, who’s Angela? She kept texting you.
Pro tip: BTW is also used for “between.” So, you might need to study the text to know the intended use case.
Cus/Cuz
CUS means “because.”
CUS is one of the popular texting abbreviations, thanks to celebrities (especially musicians) who always shorten the word in their lyrics.
Furthermore, CUS is straightforward; slot it into your text instead of “because.”E.g.,Hey man, I’m not coming to the party CUS I’m grounded.
Similar abbreviation: BC also means “because.”
CYA
CYA translates to “see ya.”
CYA is almost similar to TTYL and G2G (got to go). In other words, you can use it to end a chat and say goodbye.
For example:Gotta go now, man. CYA!
Similar abbreviations: CU (see you) and CYT (see you tomorrow). The only difference is that the latter adds the “when.”
DM
DM means “direct message.”
DM became a prominent texting abbreviation because of social media networks (especially Instagram and Twitter). On those platforms, DM means “private message.”
Ordinarily, the abbreviation should be used like;Hey, can I DM you?
However, DM is often used as a noun – a place.E.g.,Hey Susan, that guy I told you about is in my DM.
Also, DM can represent bold, flirtatious moves, albeit in a phrase: sliding into DM.E.g.,Saw this cutie on the group chat. I’m so sliding into “her” DM.
Similar abbreviation: PM (private message)
FWIW
FWIW simply means “for what it’s worth.”
You can use this abbreviation to state your intention or opinion.E.g.,You prolly (probably) don’t see me, but FWIW I think UR an AMAZING person.
Similar abbreviations: IMO (in my opinion) and IMHO (in my humble opinion).
YOLO
YOLO translates to “you only live once.”
And frankly, the abbreviation sounds funny. Funnily enough, even the use is funny.
Have you ever been with a friend who complained about not saving enough? Then, payday comes around, and your friend blasted all their earnings!
Such a friend might come up with something like:Hey man, lemme (let me) enjoy… YOLO!
But that aside, YOLO generally means taking risks and enjoying the day – FWIW.E.g.,I’m taking a well-deserved break after exams. YOLO!
Similar abbreviation: IDC (I don’t care) can also stand in for YOLO. You can use the former to show resistance to others’ opinions while taking risks.
B2B
B2B means “business to business.”
If you are familiar with digital marketing, the chances are that you’ve seen B2B within the taglines of companies or within business chats. Here is what the acronym means:
If a company is a B2B, then such a company services businesses. For example, productivity app giants like Slack Inc. are B2B. Their app helps agencies and businesses to manage teams effectively.
Note: B2B can somewhat be confused with another texting abbreviation: B2C (business to consumer).B2C service consumers. E.g., KFC is a B2C.
Pro tip: it is possible for a business to be B2B and also B2C.
EOD
EOD means “end of day.”
Businesses (especially ecommerce stores) often include this texting abbreviation in their newsletter and email campaigns. It indicates the timeline of a discount, offer, or promo.
Think of EOD as a catchphrase to create a sense of urgency, and encourage buyers to buy.
Example of EOD use:It’s payday!!! And we’re offering a BOGO (buy one get one), but only until EOD.
ICYMI
ICYMI translates to “in case you missed it.”
And just like most things with business, this abbreviation is often used for promotions. Organizations use ICYMI to get attention.E.g.,Hi, we launched Viberr 2.0 last week. ICYMI, check our blog for more information.
Similar abbreviation: FYI (for your information) can also stand for ICYMI. However, it is a bit informal.
TL;DR
TL;DR means “too long; didn’t read.”
Often confused as rude, “TL;DR” is actually a fun way businesses summarize their long and “boring” texts.In fact, most businesses use “TL; DR” to get customers to call them. So, it’s not rude but SMART.
Look at this example:Hi, here is the guide you requested. But it’s bulky. Call us for the TL; DR version!
Pro tip: before using TL; DR, ensure the receiver isn’t “overly” sensitive to texting abbreviations.
TYVM
TYVM translates to “thank you very much.”
Unlike informal alternatives like THX and TKS, TYVM has a bit of class. That is why businesses use it to appreciate customers after purchases or consultations.
Here is an example of how TVYM is used in texts:TVYM for patronizing our store! We hope to see you often.
Similar abbreviations: 10Q and 10X both mean thank you. But we won’t advise you to use them for business/formal SMS.
121
121 means “one-to-one.”
This texting abbreviation is one of the technical picks. At a mere look, you might think 121 is a hotline.
But in texts (especially among geeks), 121 can be likened to “let’s go to the DM.” It is used for initiating private chats.
So, if you’ve seen 121 within messages on your group chats, now you know the meaning.Here is an example of how to use 121 in texting:Hey bro, 121?
143
143 means “I love you.”
Like 121, 143 is also one of the technical, unusual texting abbreviations. However, it is a romantic type.
Teens use 143 to appear geeky or put their folk in the dark. Here is an example of how it is used:Good night, 143.
Then, the recipient will reply with 1432 (I love you too) or 182 (I hate you).
Similar abbreviations: ILY and LY.
404
404 means “I don’t know.”
Originally, 404 is an error code. And it denotes a broken link – a missing web page.So, to use this abbreviation in a text is geeky and creative.
Here is an example of how to use 404 in a text:Sorry, bro, I can’t help with the question. 404!
Similar abbreviation: IDK
511
511 means “too much information.”
Geeks and teens use this texting abbreviation to indicate that the speaker is saying something unpleasant.And because 511 is a code, it can be too direct or daring.
Example:Hey bro, you just did a 511.
Note: 511 is not always directed at a person. It can also be about books – any information archive.
Similar abbreviation: TMI
6Y
6Y means “sexy.”
This texting abbreviation is a subtle way to flirt with one’s love interest. And while it might not be profound like saying the word itself, 6Y is cool.
You can text 6Y to your crush without sounding like a perv.Example:I think you’re a 6Y. We should go out!
Summary
You can’t (and shouldn’t) neglect texting abbreviations. We live in a world where everyone is busy. Using abbreviations can save reading time and get you replies ASAP.
In business texting, it’s important not to use too many (or any) acronyms and abbreviations, as these are very often considered unprofessional and childish.
That said, know when to use and not use a texting abbreviation. Most importantly, use the ones you know CORRECTLY. CYA!