Chat SlangTexting abbreviations
The short forms people type in chat every day.
Texting abbreviations save thumbs. Most are older than smartphones, and the common ones are understood in every country where English is used in chat. This page explains the ones you will meet most often and shows how each is used in a sentence.
Use them with friends and colleagues who use them too. In a formal email or a message to someone older, write the full words.
BRB
Be right back; you are stepping away for a short while.
Example: "brb, answering the door"
OMW
On my way; you have left and are coming.
Example: "omw, ten minutes"
IDK
I do not know.
Example: "idk what to cook tonight"
BTW
By the way; you are adding a side thought.
Example: "btw, the meeting moved to four"
FYI
For your information; a note that needs no reply.
Example: "fyi, the office is closed on Friday"
TBH
To be honest; you are about to say what you really think.
Example: "tbh the film was too long"
IMO
In my opinion; a softer way to give a view.
Example: "imo the blue one looks better"
ASAP
As soon as possible; used for something urgent.
Example: "send the file asap please"
TTYL
Talk to you later; a goodbye in chat.
Example: "ttyl, dinner is ready"
NP
No problem; a reply to thanks.
Example: "thanks for the lift!" "np"
THX
Thanks.
Example: "thx for the help"
RN
Right now.
Example: "I am in a meeting rn"
IRL
In real life; as opposed to online.
Example: "we have never met irl"
DM
Direct message; a private message on a social app.
Example: "dm me the details"
ETA
Estimated time of arrival; when you expect to get there.
Example: "what is your eta?"
TMI
Too much information; said when someone shares more than you wanted.
Example: "okay, that is tmi"
LOL
Laughing out loud; in practice it often just means "that is funny".
Example: "lol that photo is great"
NVM
Never mind; forget what I asked.
Example: "nvm, found it"
AFAIK
As far as I know; you are not sure.
Example: "afaik the shop opens at nine"
GM / GN
Good morning; good night.
Example: "gm everyone"
Questions people ask
Do these words mean the same everywhere?
Mostly, but not always. Slang changes with the group, the app and the year. Use the meaning here as the usual one and check with the context.
Why is a word not listed?
We list words that are common and not mainly abusive. Tell us on the contact page if you want one added.