Text Slang & Acronyms Dictionary
Complete guide to 200+ text messaging slang, acronyms, and abbreviations. Find out what PMO, TS, ATP, FN, ASL, SMH, OTP, LOL, LMAO, NGL, FR, BET, IKR, AF, YOLO, W, L, SUS, POV, CAP, PERIODT, FYP, BUSSIN, and other popular text acronyms mean.
📱 Understanding Text Slang
Text messaging slang and acronyms help people communicate faster on smartphones and social media. This guide explains the most common abbreviations you'll encounter in text messages, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and other messaging apps.
Most Popular Text Acronyms
PMO
What does PMO mean in text?
PMO stands for "Pissing Me Off" or "Put Me On" depending on context.
1. Pissing Me Off: When someone or something is annoying or frustrating you.
2. Put Me On: Asking someone to introduce you to something new (music, show, game, etc.).
1. Pissing Me Off: When someone or something is annoying or frustrating you.
2. Put Me On: Asking someone to introduce you to something new (music, show, game, etc.).
Examples:
"This traffic is really PMO right now 😤""PMO to that new artist you mentioned"
TS
What does TS mean in text?
TS stands for "That's S***", "Tough Situation", or "Talking S***".
Most commonly used to express that something is unfortunate, unfair, or disappointing. Can also mean someone is talking negatively about others.
Most commonly used to express that something is unfortunate, unfair, or disappointing. Can also mean someone is talking negatively about others.
Example:
"You failed the test? Man, TS 😔""Don't listen to them, they're just TS"
ATP
What does ATP mean in text?
ATP stands for "At This Point" or "Answer The Phone".
1. At This Point: Referring to the current moment or situation after everything that has happened.
2. Answer The Phone: Telling someone to pick up their phone call.
1. At This Point: Referring to the current moment or situation after everything that has happened.
2. Answer The Phone: Telling someone to pick up their phone call.
Examples:
"ATP I'm just going to give up and try tomorrow""I've been calling you for 10 minutes, ATP! 📞"
FN
What does FN mean in text?
FN stands for "F***ing" or "For Now".
Used as an intensifier or to indicate something is temporary.
Used as an intensifier or to indicate something is temporary.
Examples:
"This is fn amazing! 🔥""That's all I have FN, I'll get more later"
ASL
What does ASL mean in text?
ASL stands for "Age, Sex, Location".
Classic internet acronym from early chat rooms, asking for someone's age, gender, and where they're from. Still used occasionally in messaging apps and online gaming.
Classic internet acronym from early chat rooms, asking for someone's age, gender, and where they're from. Still used occasionally in messaging apps and online gaming.
Example:
"Hey, ASL?" (asking someone's basic info when first chatting)
SMH
What does SMH mean in text?
SMH stands for "Shaking My Head".
Expresses disappointment, disapproval, disbelief, or frustration with someone or something. One of the most popular text acronyms used across all age groups.
Expresses disappointment, disapproval, disbelief, or frustration with someone or something. One of the most popular text acronyms used across all age groups.
Example:
"He forgot our anniversary again... SMH 🤦""People still don't use turn signals, SMH"
OTP
What does OTP mean in text?
OTP stands for "One True Pairing" or "One Time Password".
1. One True Pairing: Your favorite romantic couple in a show, book, or real life.
2. One Time Password: Temporary security code sent via text for two-factor authentication.
1. One True Pairing: Your favorite romantic couple in a show, book, or real life.
2. One Time Password: Temporary security code sent via text for two-factor authentication.
Examples:
"Ross and Rachel are my OTP ❤️""Enter the OTP we just sent to your phone"
MK
What does MK mean in text?
MK stands for "Mmm Okay" or "Mm Kay".
A casual, sometimes passive-aggressive way of saying "okay" or acknowledging something. The tone depends heavily on context - can be genuine agreement or subtle annoyance.
A casual, sometimes passive-aggressive way of saying "okay" or acknowledging something. The tone depends heavily on context - can be genuine agreement or subtle annoyance.
Examples:
"Can you clean your room?" "MK""I'll be there in 5 minutes" "MK sure 🙄"
DW
What does DW mean in text?
DW stands for "Don't Worry".
Used to reassure someone or tell them not to stress about something. Friendly and comforting acronym.
Used to reassure someone or tell them not to stress about something. Friendly and comforting acronym.
Example:
"Sorry I'm running late!" "DW, take your time ✨""I think I messed up the presentation" "DW, you did great!"
FS
What does FS mean in text?
FS stands for "For Sure", "For Sale", or "F*** Sake".
1. For Sure: Definitely, absolutely, agreeing with something.
2. For Sale: Used in marketplace listings.
3. For F***'s Sake: Expression of frustration or annoyance.
1. For Sure: Definitely, absolutely, agreeing with something.
2. For Sale: Used in marketplace listings.
3. For F***'s Sake: Expression of frustration or annoyance.
Examples:
"Are you coming tonight?" "FS! 💯""iPhone FS, barely used, $500"
HY
What does HY mean in text?
HY stands for "Hell Yeah" or "Heck Yeah".
Enthusiastic agreement or excitement about something. More energetic than just saying "yes."
Enthusiastic agreement or excitement about something. More energetic than just saying "yes."
Example:
"Pizza for dinner?" "HY! 🍕""Did you get the job?" "HY I did! 🎉"
IG
What does IG mean in text?
IG stands for "I Guess" or "Instagram".
1. I Guess: Showing uncertainty, reluctant agreement, or indifference.
2. Instagram: Referring to the social media platform.
1. I Guess: Showing uncertainty, reluctant agreement, or indifference.
2. Instagram: Referring to the social media platform.
Examples:
"Do you want to go?" "IG, I don't have other plans""Follow me on IG @username"
MB
What does MB mean in text?
MB stands for "My Bad".
Casual apology or acknowledgment that you made a mistake. Informal way of saying "my mistake" or "sorry."
Casual apology or acknowledgment that you made a mistake. Informal way of saying "my mistake" or "sorry."
Example:
"You sent me the wrong file" "Oh MB, here's the right one""I forgot to text you back, MB!"
TBH
What does TBH mean in text?
TBH stands for "To Be Honest".
Used before sharing an honest opinion or confession. One of the oldest and most widely used text acronyms. Popular on social media for "TBH posts" where people give honest opinions.
Used before sharing an honest opinion or confession. One of the oldest and most widely used text acronyms. Popular on social media for "TBH posts" where people give honest opinions.
Example:
"TBH, I didn't like that movie at all""You're one of my best friends TBH ❤️"
Reactions & Emotions
LOL
Laugh Out Loud
Classic acronym for finding something funny. One of the most widely recognized internet acronyms. Can also mean "lots of love" in some contexts (usually older generations).
Example:
"Did you see that video? LOL 😂"
LMAO
Laughing My A** Off
Used when something is extremely funny - more intense than LOL. Very popular in casual text conversations.
Example:
"He tripped over his own feet LMAO"
ROFL
Rolling On Floor Laughing
Indicates something is hilariously funny. Less common now than LOL or LMAO but still recognized.
Example:
"That joke has me ROFL 🤣"
OMG
Oh My God
Express shock, surprise, excitement, or disbelief. One of the most versatile and popular acronyms.
Example:
"OMG I can't believe you did that! 😱"
WTF
What The F***
Expressing extreme confusion, shock, or disbelief about something outrageous or unexpected.
Example:
"WTF just happened?"
FOMO
Fear Of Missing Out
The anxiety that others are having fun or experiences without you, especially on social media.
Example:
"Seeing everyone at the concert gave me major FOMO"
Conversation Essentials
IDK
I Don't Know
Simple response when you don't have an answer or are uncertain about something.
Example:
"What time does the store close?" "IDK, check Google"
IDC
I Don't Care
Indicating indifference or lack of preference about something. Can sound dismissive depending on context.
Example:
"What do you want for dinner?" "IDC, you choose"
NVM
Never Mind
Dismissing what you just said or asked. Issue resolved or no longer relevant.
Example:
"Can you help me with—NVM, I figured it out"
BTW
By The Way
Introducing additional information or changing topics slightly in a conversation.
Example:
"I'll be there at 5. BTW, should I bring anything?"
FYI
For Your Information
Providing someone with useful information. Used in both casual and professional contexts.
Example:
"FYI, the meeting got moved to 3pm"
IMHO / IMO
In My Humble Opinion / In My Opinion
Prefacing a personal opinion or viewpoint, often on debatable topics.
Example:
"IMO, that's the best restaurant in town"
TMI
Too Much Information
When someone shares overly personal or uncomfortable details you didn't want to know.
Example:
"I don't need to hear about your medical issues... TMI!"
TL;DR
Too Long; Didn't Read
Used to request or provide a summary of lengthy text. Common on Reddit and forums.
Example:
"TL;DR: We won the game in overtime"
Meeting Up & Status
BRB
Be Right Back
Letting someone know you're stepping away temporarily but will return soon.
Example:
"BRB, grabbing a snack"
OMW
On My Way
Letting someone know you're currently traveling to meet them or to a location.
Example:
"Where are you?" "OMW! Be there in 10 🚗"
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
Asking or stating when someone expects to arrive at a location.
Example:
"What's your ETA?" "About 20 minutes"
LMK
Let Me Know
Asking someone to inform you about something when they have information or make a decision.
Example:
"LMK if you want to grab dinner tonight"
WYA
Where You At?
Asking someone's current location, usually when meeting up.
Example:
"I'm at the mall, WYA?"
WYD
What You Doing?
Asking what someone is currently doing or their plans. Common conversation starter.
Example:
"WYD tonight? Want to hang out?"
HMU
Hit Me Up
Asking someone to contact you or message you. "Reach out to me."
Example:
"If you need help with homework, HMU 📱"
Goodbyes & Sign-Offs
TTYL
Talk To You Later
Friendly goodbye indicating you'll chat again in the future.
Example:
"Gotta go, TTYL! 👋"
GTG / G2G
Got To Go / Gotta Go
Indicating you need to leave the conversation or location right now.
Example:
"Mom's calling, GTG!"
GN
Good Night
Saying goodnight before going to sleep. Very common in late-night texting.
Example:
"I'm exhausted, GN! 😴"
GM
Good Morning
Morning greeting. Also popular in crypto/NFT communities as a daily ritual.
Example:
"GM! ☀️ Hope you have a great day"
Social Media & Internet Culture
DM
Direct Message
Private message on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok. "Send me a DM."
Example:
"DM me your address"
IRL
In Real Life
Referring to actual physical life as opposed to online/virtual interactions.
Example:
"We're online friends but never met IRL"
OOTD
Outfit Of The Day
Popular on Instagram and TikTok for sharing daily fashion choices.
Example:
"OOTD: casual Friday vibes ✨ #fashion"
FWB
Friends With Benefits
A casual relationship that includes physical intimacy without romantic commitment.
Example:
"They're not dating, just FWB"
BAE
Before Anyone Else
Term of endearment for a romantic partner or crush. Your most important person.
Example:
"Date night with bae 💕"
GOAT
Greatest Of All Time
Declaring someone or something as the absolute best in their category.
Example:
"LeBron is the GOAT 🐐"
NSFW
Not Safe For Work
Warning that content is inappropriate for viewing in professional settings (explicit, violent, etc.).
Example:
"NSFW warning on this link ⚠️"
AMA
Ask Me Anything
Inviting people to ask questions, popular on Reddit, Instagram stories, and TikTok.
Example:
"Just got back from Japan, AMA! 🇯🇵"
Trending & Gen Z Slang
NGL
Not Gonna Lie
Introducing an honest opinion or confession, similar to TBH. Very popular with Gen Z.
Example:
"NGL, that was actually pretty impressive"
FR
For Real
Emphasizing truth or seriousness. Can also be a question asking if someone is serious.
Example:
"That test was impossible FR""You won the lottery?" "FR! 💰"
BET
Agreement / Okay / Sounds Good
Confirming plans or agreeing with someone. Modern version of "okay" or "cool."
Example:
"Meet at 7?" "Bet 👍"
SLAY
Looking Amazing / Killing It
Compliment meaning someone is doing exceptionally well or looks incredible.
Example:
"Your outfit is SLAY 💅"
RN
Right Now
Indicating the current moment or immediate action needed.
Example:
"I need coffee RN ☕"
ONG
On God
Swearing that something is true, similar to "I swear" or "honestly." Emphasis on truthfulness.
Example:
"ONG, I saw a celebrity at the mall"
IYKYK
If You Know You Know
Referencing an inside joke or experience that only certain people will understand.
Example:
"Pizza at 2am hits different... IYKYK 🍕"
GRWM
Get Ready With Me
Popular content format on TikTok/YouTube showing someone's preparation routine (makeup, outfit, etc.).
Example:
"GRWM for the concert tonight! 🎤"
Dating & Relationships
BF
Boyfriend
Referring to a male romantic partner. Very common abbreviation in texting.
Example:
"My BF surprised me with flowers 💐"
GF
Girlfriend
Referring to a female romantic partner. Widely used in casual texting.
Example:
"Going to the movies with my GF tonight"
BFF
Best Friends Forever
Your closest, most trusted friend. Popular among all age groups, especially teens.
Example:
"She's been my BFF since kindergarten 👯"
BSF
Best Friend
Your closest friend. Similar to BFF but more casual. Popular on TikTok and Snapchat.
Example:
"That's my BSF, we do everything together"
ILYSM
I Love You So Much
Expressing deep affection for someone. Used with romantic partners or very close friends.
Example:
"Thanks for being there for me, ILYSM ❤️"
ILY
I Love You
Shorter way to express love. Used casually with friends or seriously with romantic partners.
Example:
"Goodnight, ILY 💕"
CRUSH
Someone You're Attracted To
Person you have romantic feelings for but aren't dating yet. Universal term across all ages.
Example:
"My crush finally texted me back! 😍"
SHIP
Relationship / Support A Couple
Supporting or wanting two people to be in a relationship. "I ship them" = I think they should be together.
Example:
"I totally ship those two, they're perfect together!"
Agreement & Confirmation
IKR
I Know, Right?
Enthusiastic agreement with someone's statement. Shows you share their opinion completely.
Example:
"That movie was amazing!" "IKR! Best one this year"
IK
I Know
Acknowledging that you're already aware of something. Quick, simple response.
Example:
"The test is tomorrow" "IK, I'm studying now"
IIRC
If I Recall Correctly
Indicating you're not 100% certain but think you remember correctly.
Example:
"IIRC, the deadline is Friday"
FACTS
That's True / I Agree
Strong agreement that something is absolutely true. Emphasizing undeniable truth.
Example:
"Pizza is the best food" "FACTS 💯"
FR FR
For Real For Real
Double emphasis on being serious or truthful. Stronger than just "FR."
Example:
"I'm not joking, FR FR"
Questions & Responses
WBU
What About You?
Turning the question back to the other person after answering.
Example:
"I'm good, WBU?"
HBU
How About You?
Similar to WBU, asking the other person the same question you were asked.
Example:
"I had a great day, HBU?"
WDYM
What Do You Mean?
Asking for clarification when confused about what someone said.
Example:
"It's complicated" "WDYM?"
IDR
I Don't Remember
Indicating you can't recall specific information.
Example:
"What time did I say?" "IDR, check your texts"
JK
Just Kidding
Indicating you were joking about what you just said. Prevents misunderstandings.
Example:
"I failed the test... JK, I got an A! 😂"
JW
Just Wondering
Softening a question to make it seem casual or less invasive.
Example:
"JW, are you still coming tonight?"
Emphasis & Intensity
AF
As F***
Extreme intensifier meaning "very" or "extremely." Added after adjectives for emphasis.
Example:
"I'm tired AF right now 😴""That concert was loud AF"
ASAP
As Soon As Possible
Indicating urgency - something needs to be done immediately or very quickly.
Example:
"Call me back ASAP, it's urgent!"
RIP
Rest In Peace / That Sucks
Originally "Rest In Peace" but now used sarcastically when something bad happens or fails.
Example:
"My phone just died, RIP 💀""Forgot to save my essay... RIP"
RN RN
Right Now Right Now
Extra emphasis on immediate urgency. More intense than just "RN."
Example:
"I need food RN RN, I'm starving!"
Gaming & Online Communities
GG
Good Game
Said at the end of online games to show sportsmanship. Also used when something ends well.
Example:
"GG everyone, that was fun! 🎮"
AFK
Away From Keyboard
Telling others you're stepping away from your computer or game temporarily.
Example:
"Going AFK for 5 minutes, bathroom break"
LFG
Let's F***ing Go / Looking For Group
1. Let's Go: Expression of excitement or motivation.
2. Looking For Group: In gaming, searching for teammates.
2. Looking For Group: In gaming, searching for teammates.
Examples:
"We won! LFG! 🎉""LFG for raid, need healer"
NOOB
Newbie / Beginner
Someone new to a game or activity. Can be playful or insulting depending on context.
Example:
"Don't worry, we were all noobs once"
OP
Overpowered / Original Poster
1. Overpowered: Too strong or unfair in games.
2. Original Poster: Person who started a thread on Reddit/forums.
2. Original Poster: Person who started a thread on Reddit/forums.
Examples:
"That weapon is OP, needs nerf""OP posted an update in the comments"
EZ
Easy
Something was very easy to accomplish. Often used in gaming, can be seen as taunting.
Example:
"That boss fight was EZ 💪"
Work & Professional (Casual)
EOD
End Of Day
By the end of the working day. Common in workplace communication.
Example:
"Can you send that report by EOD?"
OOO
Out Of Office
Indicating you're not working and unavailable. Used in email auto-replies.
Example:
"I'm OOO next week on vacation"
WFH
Working From Home
Remote work from home instead of office. Became very popular during pandemic.
Example:
"I'm WFH today, email me if you need anything"
TBD
To Be Determined
Details haven't been decided yet. Placeholder for unknown information.
Example:
"Meeting time: TBD, will update soon"
Miscellaneous Popular Slang
YOLO
You Only Live Once
Justification for doing something risky or spontaneous. Popular in early 2010s, still used.
Example:
"I'm buying that concert ticket, YOLO! 🎸"
FWIW
For What It's Worth
Prefacing an opinion that might not be important but you want to share anyway.
Example:
"FWIW, I think you made the right choice"
ICYMI
In Case You Missed It
Sharing something again for those who didn't see it the first time. Common on social media.
Example:
"ICYMI: Here's the link to the livestream"
FTW
For The Win
Declaring something as the best choice or celebrating success.
Example:
"Coffee in the morning FTW ☕"
POV
Point Of View
Extremely popular on TikTok. Setting up a scenario from a specific perspective.
Example:
"POV: You're waiting for your crush to text back"
SUS
Suspicious / Suspect
Something or someone seems suspicious or untrustworthy. Popularized by Among Us game.
Example:
"That's pretty sus, are you lying? 🤨"
RATIO
When Reply Gets More Likes
On Twitter/X, when a reply gets more engagement than the original post, indicating disagreement or the reply being better.
Example:
"Ratio" (commenting to get more likes than original tweet)
MID
Mediocre / Average
Not good, not bad - just okay or disappointing. Popular Gen Z critique.
Example:
"That new album is mid, honestly"
W
Win
Something good or a victory. Celebrating success or positive outcome. Opposite of "L".
Example:
"Got the job! Big W 🏆""That was a W for the team"
L
Loss / Loser
A failure, mistake, or embarrassing moment. Taking an "L" means experiencing a loss.
Example:
"Forgot my wallet at home, took an L""That team is taking Ls all season"
Internet & Meme Culture
TFW
That Feel When / That Feeling When
Describing a relatable feeling or situation. Often paired with an image or meme.
Example:
"TFW you finish all your homework on Sunday night"
MFW
My Face When
Describing your reaction to something. Usually accompanied by a reaction image.
Example:
"MFW the teacher says no homework 😊"
TIL
Today I Learned
Sharing interesting new information you just discovered. Popular on Reddit.
Example:
"TIL that honey never spoils"
ELI5
Explain Like I'm 5
Requesting a simple, easy-to-understand explanation. Popular Reddit community concept.
Example:
"Can someone ELI5 how Bitcoin works?"
AMA
Ask Me Anything
Inviting people to ask questions, popularized by Reddit. Common on Instagram stories and TikTok too.
Example:
"Just finished medical school, AMA!"
YMMV
Your Mileage May Vary
Results or experiences may differ from person to person. What worked for me might not work for you.
Example:
"This diet worked great for me, but YMMV"
OOTL
Out Of The Loop
Not knowing about current events or trends. Missing context about what everyone's talking about.
Example:
"I'm OOTL, what's this meme about?"
FTFY
Fixed That For You
Correcting someone's statement, often sarcastically or humorously.
Example:
"I love Mondays" → "I tolerate Mondays FTFY"
Classic Internet Acronyms
IMO
In My Opinion
Prefacing a personal viewpoint. Widely used across all platforms.
Example:
"IMO, that's the best pizza in town"
IRL
In Real Life
Referring to physical, offline life as opposed to online interactions.
Example:
"We're internet friends but never met IRL"
AFAIK
As Far As I Know
Indicating your knowledge might not be complete but sharing what you know.
Example:
"AFAIK, the store closes at 9pm"
FWIW
For What It's Worth
Offering an opinion while acknowledging it may not be important.
Example:
"FWIW, I think you should take the job"
IIRC
If I Recall Correctly / If I Remember Correctly
Indicating uncertainty about your memory of something.
Example:
"IIRC, we met in 2020"
AKA
Also Known As
Providing an alternative name or nickname for someone or something.
Example:
"Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock"
DIY
Do It Yourself
Creating or fixing something yourself instead of buying or hiring someone.
Example:
"Check out this DIY home decor project 🔨"
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers about a topic, product, or service.
Example:
"Check the FAQ before asking questions"
Food & Lifestyle
EATS
Food / Good Food
Referring to food, especially when it looks delicious. "Good eats" means quality food.
Example:
"These tacos are some good eats! 🌮"
OOTD
Outfit Of The Day
Showing off what you're wearing today. Huge on Instagram and TikTok fashion content.
Example:
"OOTD: Casual summer vibes ☀️"
OOTW
Outfit Of The Week
Showcase of your best outfit from the week. Fashion content variation.
Example:
"OOTW: These looks were fire 🔥"
MOTD
Makeup Of The Day
Showing your makeup look for the day. Popular in beauty communities.
Example:
"MOTD: Natural glam for work 💄"
OOTN
Outfit Of The Night
Evening or night out outfit. Typically dressier than OOTD.
Example:
"OOTN for the party tonight! 🎉"
TBT
Throwback Thursday
Sharing old photos or memories on Thursdays. Popular social media tradition.
Example:
"#TBT to our vacation last summer 📸"
FBF
Flashback Friday
Similar to TBT but on Fridays. Sharing old photos and memories.
Example:
"#FBF to high school days"
MCM
Man Crush Monday
Posting about a guy you admire on Mondays. Can be celebrity, partner, or friend.
Example:
"#MCM goes to my amazing boyfriend ❤️"
WCW
Woman Crush Wednesday
Posting about a woman you admire on Wednesdays. Celebrating female friends, partners, or celebrities.
Example:
"#WCW to my best friend! 💕"
Additional Useful Acronyms
RN
Right Now
Indicating something is happening at this very moment or needs immediate attention.
Example:
"I'm so hungry RN 🍕"
SMD
Shaking My Damn Head
Stronger version of SMH showing more intense frustration or disbelief.
Example:
"They canceled the concert, SMD 😤"
SMFH
Shaking My F***ing Head
Extreme version of SMH for maximum disappointment or frustration.
Example:
"People still don't wear masks? SMFH"
CTFU
Cracking The F*** Up
Laughing extremely hard at something. Similar to LMAO but more intense.
Example:
"That meme has me CTFU 😂😂"
STFU
Shut The F*** Up
Telling someone to stop talking, can be aggressive or playful depending on context.
Example:
"STFU, you're joking! That's amazing!"
BFR
Be For Real
Asking someone if they're serious or telling them to be honest. Gen Z favorite.
Example:
"BFR, did that actually happen?"
ONG
On God
Swearing something is true. Emphasizing honesty and seriousness.
Example:
"ONG I'm not lying about this"
TTM
Talk To Me
Asking someone to reach out or start a conversation.
Example:
"I miss you, TTM soon!"
NBD
No Big Deal
Indicating something isn't important or serious. Downplaying significance.
Example:
"I got promoted... NBD 😎" (being modest)
NP
No Problem
Casual response to "thank you." Indicating something was easy or no trouble.
Example:
"Thanks for helping!" "NP, anytime!"
TY
Thank You
Quick way to express gratitude in text.
Example:
"TY for the birthday wishes! 🎂"
YW
You're Welcome
Standard response to thank you. Quick and casual.
Example:
"Thanks so much!" "YW! 😊"
BC
Because
Shortened version of "because." Quick way to give a reason.
Example:
"Why are you late?" "BC traffic was terrible"
WB
Welcome Back
Greeting someone who returns after being away.
Example:
"I'm back!" "WB! How was your trip?"
SOS
Save Our Souls / Help
Emergency signal or urgently needing help. Can be used seriously or dramatically.
Example:
"SOS, I need help with this homework ASAP!"
CYA
See You / See Ya
Casual goodbye, informal way to say "see you later."
Example:
"Heading out now, CYA tomorrow!"
THX / TY
Thanks
Ultra-short way to say thanks. Very casual texting.
Example:
"Sent you the file" "THX!"
Newest Gen Z & TikTok Slang
IYKWIM
If You Know What I Mean
Hinting at an underlying meaning or innuendo without stating it directly.
Example:
"We had a 'productive' meeting... IYKWIM 😏"
PERIODT
Period / End of Discussion
Emphatic way to end a statement. No debate, final word. Gen Z/AAVE originated.
Example:
"She's the best artist of our generation, periodt 💅"
OOMF
One Of My Followers
Referring to a follower without naming them. Used when subtweeting or vaguebooking.
Example:
"OOMF keeps liking all my posts 👀"
FYP
For You Page
TikTok's personalized content feed. Often used in hashtags to get more visibility.
Example:
"Trying to get on the FYP #fyp #foryou"
IFY
I Feel You
Showing empathy and understanding. "I relate to what you're saying."
Example:
"I'm so tired of exams" "IFY, same here"
LFR
Lowkey For Real
Combination of "lowkey" and "for real." Agreeing but in a subtle way.
Example:
"This class is boring LFR"
WSG
What's Good
Casual greeting asking what's up or how someone is doing.
Example:
"WSG bro, haven't seen you in a while!"
SIS
Sister / Girl
Term of endearment for a friend (usually female). Not necessarily a biological sister.
Example:
"Sis, you look amazing today! ✨"
STAN
Superfan / Obsessed Fan
Being an extremely dedicated fan of someone. From Eminem's song "Stan."
Example:
"I stan this band so hard 🎶"
TEA
Gossip / Drama
"Spill the tea" means share the gossip. Hot gossip or juicy information.
Example:
"Spill the tea! What happened? ☕"
CAP / NO CAP
Lie / No Lie
"Cap" means lie. "No cap" means "no lie" or "I'm being serious." Very popular slang.
Example:
"That's cap" (that's a lie)"I got an A, no cap!" (seriously!)
BUSSIN
Really Good / Delicious
Something is extremely good, especially food. "Bussin bussin" for extra emphasis.
Example:
"This food is bussin! 🔥"
Texting Shortcuts & Variations
U
You
Single letter replacement for "you." Very common in casual texting.
Example:
"How are u doing?"
R
Are
Single letter for "are." Ultra-casual texting.
Example:
"Where r u?"
PLS / PLZ
Please
Shortened "please." Quick way to ask for something.
Example:
"Can u help me pls?"
MSG
Message
Shortened "message." Used as noun or verb.
Example:
"MSG me when you get home"
PIC
Picture
Short for picture or photo.
Example:
"Send me a pic of your dog!"
VID
Video
Shortened "video."
Example:
"Did you see that vid I sent?"
B
Be / Babe / Bro
Multiple meanings: "be," term of endearment "babe," or casual "bro."
Examples:
"I'll b there soon" (be)"Thanks b!" (babe/bro)
K
Okay
Single letter "okay." Can seem dismissive depending on context.
Example:
"Can you do this?" "K"
OFC
Of Course
Abbreviated "of course." Indicating something is obvious or agreeing enthusiastically.
Example:
"Can I borrow your notes?" "OFC!"
PROB
Probably
Shortened "probably." Indicating likelihood.
Example:
"Are you coming?" "Prob, not sure yet"
DEF
Definitely
Short for "definitely." Expressing certainty or strong agreement.
Example:
"Want to hang out?" "Def!"
SRY
Sorry
Shortened apology. Quick way to say sorry.
Example:
"SRY I'm late!"
💡 Tips for Using Text Slang
- Know your audience: Use casual slang with friends, avoid in professional contexts
- Context matters: Many acronyms have multiple meanings - consider the conversation
- Don't overdo it: Too many acronyms can be confusing or seem immature
- Stay updated: Text slang evolves quickly, especially on TikTok and other platforms
- When in doubt: It's okay to ask "What does that mean?" rather than misunderstand
📚 Related Resources
- Character Limits Reference - SMS, Twitter, and social media limits
- RCS Messaging Guide - What is RCS text messaging?
- Character Counter Tool - Count characters for text messages