Text abbreviations are shortened versions of words or phrases designed to save time and space, commonly found in social media posts and text messages. 

They allow users to convey messages more efficiently, and many of these abbreviations have become popular slang, particularly among younger generations. Staying updated on current text shorthand can improve your ability to connect with your audience.

Each generation evolves how we use text slang, creating new abbreviations that become part of everyday communication. 

To keep your marketing messages relevant — especially as businesses increasingly adopt these abbreviations in their communications — it’s essential to stay informed about the latest trends in text shorthand.

If you’ve ever wondered what “btw” means or questioned whether using “LOL” in a conversation is appropriate, you’re not alone. 

What Are Some Key Text Abbreviations and Acronyms?

Here’s a handy reference list of SMS and text message abbreviations to help you understand the next time someone uses shorthand in a message.

Common Text Abbreviations

• ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
• STFU: Shut the f*** up
• ICYMI: In case you missed it
• TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read
• TMI: Too much information
• AFAIK: As far as I know
• LMK: Let me know
• NVM: Nevermind
• FTW: For the win
• BYOB: Bring your own beer
• BOGO: Buy one get one
• JK: Just kidding
• JW: Just wondering
• TGIF: Thank goodness it’s Friday
• TBH: To be honest
• TBF: To be frank
• RN: Right now
• FUBAR: F***** up beyond all recognition
• BRB: Be right back
• ISO: In search of
• BRT: Be right there
• BTW: By the way
• FTFY: Fixed that for you
• GG: Good game
• BFD: Big freaking deal
• IRL: In real life
• DAE: Does anyone else?
• LOL: Laugh out loud
• SMH: Shaking my head
• NGL: Not gonna lie
• BTS: Behind the scenes
• IKR: I know right
• TTYL: Talk to you later
• HMU: Hit me up
• FWIW: For what it’s worth
• IMO: In my opinion
• WYD: What are you doing?
• IMHO: In my humble opinion
• IDK: I don’t know
• IDC: I don’t care
• IDGAF: I don’t give a f***
• NBD: No big deal
• TBA: To be announced
• TBD: To be decided
• AFK: Away from keyboard
• ABT: About
• IYKYK: If you know, you know
• B4: Before
• BC: Because
• JIC: Just in case
• FOMO: Fear of missing out
• SNAFU: Situation normal, all f***** up
• GTG/G2G: Got to go
• H8: Hate
• LMAO: Laughing my a** off
• LMFAO: laughing my f*cking a** off  
• IYKWIM: If you know what I mean
• MYOB: Mind your own business
• POV: Point of view
• TLC: Tender loving care
• HBD: Happy birthday
• W/E: Whatever
• WTF: What the f***
• WYSIWYG: What you see is what you get
• FWIF: For what it’s worth
• TW: Trigger warning

Business Text Abbreviations

• EOD: End of day
• FAQ: Frequently asked question
• AKA: Also known as
• ASAP: As soon as possible
• DIY: Do it yourself
• LMGTFY: Let me Google that for you
• NP: No problem
• N/A: Not applicable or not available
• OOO: Out of office
• TIA: Thanks in advance
• COB: Close of business
• FYI: For your information
• NSFW: Not safe for work
• WFH: Work from home
• OMW: On my way
• WDYT: What do you think?
• WYGAM: When you get a minute

Social Media Text Abbreviations

• SMP: Social media platform
• DM: Direct message
• FB: Facebook
• IG: Instagram
• LI: LinkedIn
• YT: YouTube
• SC: Snapchat
• BR: BeReal
• X: previously named Twitter
• WA: WhatsApp
• TT: TikTok
• FF: Follow Friday
• IM: Instant message
• PM: Private message
• OP: Original post
• QOTD: Quote of the day
• OOTD: Outfit of the day
• RT: Retweet
• TBT: Throwback Thursday
• TIL: Today I learned
• AMA: Ask me anything
• ELI5: Explain like I’m 5
• FBF: Flashback Friday
• MFW: My feeling when
• GRWM: Get ready with me

Romantic Text Abbreviations

• ILY: I love you
• MCM: Man crush Monday
• WCW: Woman crush Wednesday
• BF: Boyfriend
• GF: Girlfriend
• BAE: Before anyone else
• LYSM: Love you so much
• PDA: Public display of affection
• LTR: Long-term relationship
• DTR: Define the relationship
• LDR: Long-distance relationship
• XOXO: Hugs and kisses
• OTP: One true pairing
• LOML: Love of my life

Marketing and Text Message Terms

• CTA: Call to action
• UGC: User-generated content
• UX: User experience
• SMS: Short message service
• MMS: Multimedia messaging service
• RCS: Rich communication services
• ROI: Return on investment
• CTR: Click-through rate
• CPC: Cost per click
• CR: Conversion rate
• SMB: Small/medium business
• TOS: Terms of service
• SCN: Short Code Number
• 5G: 5th generation mobile communication
• TCPA: Telephone Consumer Protection Act
• Text Broadcast: A message sent to a large group
• Text to Join: Opting into a text list
• Text to Win: Running a contest via text
• Text to Landline: Sending/receiving texts on a landline phone

Funny Text Abbreviations

• OMGWTF – Oh my God, what the f*ck
• YOLO – You only live once
• BION – Believe it or not
• FML – F*ck my life
• WTFBBQ – What the f*ck, barbecue (a lighthearted twist on “WTF”)

How Can You Effectively Use Text Abbreviations in Business SMS?

Here are some examples and tips for integrating text abbreviations into your marketing and business messages:

Example 1: Sharing a Discount “Visit ABC Clothing Store ASAP for a great deal! Get 20% off any item when you show this message.”

Example 2: Announcing a Sale “PSA: Our back-to-school sale starts TODAY! Enjoy 50% off books and stationery. Shop now 👉 kidsbookstore.com/back-to-school”

Example 3: Promoting a New Product “Our long-awaited gaming console is now available for pre-order! Order ASAP for a 20% discount, exclusively for VIP members.”

Example 4: Customer Service “Thanks for reaching out to Omnisend. Your request has been received, and a representative will get in touch before EOD.”

Example 5: Text Alerts “TGIF! Celebrate the weekend with 20% off our artisanal cheeses. Show this message at checkout.”

Example 6: Order Updates “Hello, John! Your package (Order No. 12345) has been shipped. ETA is 5:00 pm.”

Example 7: Appointment Reminders “Hi Grace! Just a reminder, your dentist appointment is at 2:15 pm today. LMK if you need to reschedule.”

Example 8: Internal Communication “Hey, Anna. We have a meeting with our B2B clients today. Prepare the reports and LMK when they’re ready.”

Example 9: Postponing an Event “Our training event is postponed due to bad weather. The new date is TBD, and we’ll notify you ASAP.”

Example 10: Celebrating Loyal Customers “HBD! Enjoy 30% off your next order with code HBD001. Thanks for being a loyal customer!”

These examples highlight how abbreviations can streamline your messages while keeping them professional.

Additionally, using an SMS service with pre-built templates featuring abbreviations can simplify communication even further. Add a GIF for extra flair and visual engagement!

How Can You Avoid Common Mistakes When Using Text Abbreviations?

Text abbreviations can be handy but can also backfire if not used correctly. Here are some tips to make sure you’re using them effectively:

1. Be Aware of Outdated Slang: Trends in slang can change quickly, and using an out-of-date abbreviation might give the wrong impression. For instance, younger audiences may find phrases like “Good 2 c u” or “Come 2 our bar 2nite 4 a gr8 time” outdated. It’s essential to know your audience and ensure the abbreviations you use are still relevant. Get feedback from your marketing team before finalizing any messages.
2. Don’t Overload Your Texts with Abbreviations: Too many abbreviations can make your message hard to understand, as though you’re asking the reader to crack a code. Limit yourself to one abbreviation per message for clarity. If space is an issue, consider sending a shortened link to provide more information or use an MMS with an image that conveys additional details.

By being thoughtful about how and when you use abbreviations, you can keep your texts professional and engaging without losing clarity or relevance.

How Can Text Abbreviations Benefit Your Marketing?

Incorporating text abbreviations correctly allows your brand to connect with customers in a casual, relatable way, showing you understand their communication style. 

However, it’s essential to use abbreviations that are widely recognized and easy to understand. When in doubt, it’s better to use the full word rather than risk confusion with a lesser-known abbreviation.

Conclusion

Incorporating text abbreviations in your business and marketing messages enables you to engage with your audience more relaxed and informally.

These abbreviations can also reflect your brand’s modern and innovative image when used genuinely.