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Most Common Text Abbreviations and Their Meanings

Texting is a big part of modern communication. Some people even prefer chatting over text than talking on the phone or meeting in person. Texting can include sending SMS messages via mobile phone or using messenger apps like Facebook Message, WhatsApp, and Instagram DM. When texting, people like to use shorter forms of long words or phrases for convenience. If you don’t know some of these text slang, it can be quite difficult to understand what the other person is trying to say. So, in this article, we will go over some of the most common text abbreviations and their meanings.

What are Text Abbreviations?

Text abbreviations are commonly used in digital communication to quickly and efficiently convey messages. They are shortened forms of words or phrases that are used in texting, messaging apps, social media platforms, and other forms of online communication. These abbreviations save time and space, making it easier to communicate in a fast-paced digital environment.

most common text abbreviations

List of Text Abbreviations

  • brb
  • g2g
  • ttyl
  • lol
  • wdym?
  • np
  • nvm
  • omw
  • smh
  • asap
  • ily
  • ftw
  • btw
  • jk
  • lmao
  • dm
  • irl
  • nsfl

Text Abbreviations and Definitions

Now, let’s learn what these common text abbreviations mean.

lmao

lmao: laughing my ass off

asap

asap: as soon as possible

brb

brb: be right back

btw

btw: by the way

dm

dm: direct message

ftw

ftw: for the win

g2g

g2g: got to go

irl

irl: in real life

jk

jk: just kidding

lol

lol: laugh out loud

np

np: no problem

nsfl

nsfl: not safe for life

nvm

nvm: nevermind

smh

smh: shake my head

ily

ily: i love you

omw

omw: on my way

ttyl

ttyl: talk to you later

wdym

wdym: what do you mean?

FAQs About Chat Abbreviations

Here are some of the most common questions about chat abbreviations and their meanings.

What is a good text abbreviation?

Some good text abbreviations that you can use when texting include lol, lmao, wdym, ttyl,smh, and np.

What are text abbreviations called?

Text abbreviations are often called SMS language or text slang.

What does FTW mean in text?

FTW in text means “for the win.”

What does OFC mean?

OFC means “of course.”

What does IMO mean?

IMO means in my opinion.

What is the most used abbreviation in texting?

Some of the most commonly used abbreviations in texting include brb, g2g, ttyl, lol, wdym, np, nvm, omw, smh, asap, ily, ftw, btw, jk, lmao, dm, irl, and nsfl.

More English Vocabulary

If you’re looking for more English vocabulary resources, check out these articles:

  • Most Common Questions and Possible Answers in English
  • List of 5 Letter Words with No Vowels in English
  • Most Popular American Food List with Their Origins
  • Animals that Start with A | Names, Pictures, Fun Facts
  • List of English Words with Silent Letters
  • 20 Ways to Say Have a Good Day in English

Text Abbreviations: Join the Conversation

Which text abbreviation do you use the most? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you. Also, check out more abbreviations like FR or GC.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder, 67 ESL Conversation Topics,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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