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Oct 18, 2024 · Learn common text abbreviations used in everyday messages and business texts, and get tips on how to use abbreviations for texting in 2024.
- Texting Etiquette
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- Texting Etiquette
- 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.”
A: No, using text abbreviations in every conversation is unnecessary. The appropriateness of their usage depends on the context, audience, and platform. Using standard language and limiting abbreviations in more formal or professional settings is advisable.
Mar 1, 2024 · Text abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases that help save time and characters. They’re often used for things like social media posts and text messages to limit the number of characters used.
Sep 16, 2022 · An abbreviation, simply put, is a shortened form of a word. In writing, abbreviations are useful when you need to squeeze a lot of writing into a small space. You can also use them in place of long or cumbersome phrases to make your sentences easier to read. Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines?
Jul 23, 2023 · Avoid using an abbreviation to start a sentence. Use the full form instead, or rephrase. Example. Poor: PFDs save lives. Better: Portable floating devices save lives. Acronyms (abbreviations pronounced as words, such as COVID, NASA, NATO) are acceptable at the start of a sentence.
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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.
