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Feb 20, 2024 · Common text abbreviations and how to use them. Abbreviations, acronyms and slang are common place in SMS messages, even those sent out by businesses. Use this quick guide to decide when and how to use SMS abbreviations.
- Texting Etiquette
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- Texting Etiquette
Jun 22, 2022 · The use of emojis varies between individuals—some people rarely add emojis to their texts while others use them like modern hieroglyphics! In either case, we'll cover the most common text slang, abbreviations, and popular emojis to help you better decipher the meaning of your text messages.
- Why Do We Use Abbreviations When We text?
- Classic Texting Abbreviations
- Basic Texting Abbreviations
It seems impossible to imagine texting without abbreviations today, but how did abbreviations become such a massive part of texting lingo? Well, in the days before smartphones, and even before keyboard phones, texters were working with a limited number of characters—160, to be exact—and before “unlimited” plans became the law of the land, each text...
1. LOL
This is perhaps the most ubiquitous texting acronym. Short for “laughing out loud,” LOL is now used to express even the mildest amusement. You can respond “LOL!!” (perhaps paired with one of these popular emojis) when your friend tells you a hilarious story, but you can also just say something like “I forgot to have breakfast today, LOL.” It’s something of a catch-all reaction. Another note: LOL does not stand for “lots of love.” In the early days, when texting abbreviations were becoming mai...
2. OMG
The abbreviation OMG, for “oh my God” (or gosh, or goodness, or your expression of choice) vastly predates texting. In fact, the Oxford English Dictionary tracked its earliest recorded use to a letter written in 1917! Today, you’ll see it used in sentences like “OMG, can you believe how hot it is today?!” It’s a pretty all-around exclamation or reaction.
3. IDK
IDK is perhaps the theme of this article, because it literally means “I don’t know,” which might be how you felt about all these text abbreviations before you learned what they stood for. Next time you get a text from your kid asking where their favorite shirt is, reply with “IDK, ask your mother/father/sibling.”
8. BC
In texting terms, the second and third letters of the alphabet don’t refer to the time “before Christ.” BC is, instead, short for “because.” Often, texting abbreviations like these won’t even be capitalized. You might see something like “Wanted to see how you were doing bc I haven’t heard from you in a while.”
9. THX/TY/TYSM
THX might remind ’80s and ’90s kids of that bizarrely intense, loud movie intro that showed the logo for the THX Ltd. audiovisual company. But in a text, it’s simply short for “thanks,” with the X representing the sound at the end of the word. Even more common than THX is “TY” or “ty,” meaning “thank you.” And finally, you’ll see “TYSM” or “tysm” (“thank you so much”) quite frequently as well.
10. NP/YW
The logical response to “ty,” YW or “yw” means “you’re welcome.” In a similar vein, NP or “np” means “no problem.” NP, though, can respond to an apology just as well as a thank you: “Sorry, but I’m going to be a few minutes late tonight!” “NP.”
Dec 15, 2022 · Find out about all of the different features of the iPhone's Messages app and how to use them with our complete guide to text messaging on iPhone.
Jul 24, 2019 · Texting abbreviations are very commonly used in messages—and not knowing their meaning can at best cause confusion and at worst get you in trouble.
Sep 27, 2021 · Do you usually send long messages or several short ones? Do you use emojis, tapbacks or abbreviations? What message do you think your text etiquette sends to others? Why?
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Mar 29, 2024 · Before smartphones and keyboard phones, texters faced a 160-character limit and paid per text. Typing with thumbs was slow, and pressing numbers for letters was tedious. Shortening words became customary, and abbreviating is convenient overall, not just in texting.
