Text Like a Pro: The New Slang You’re Missing Out On

Do you ever read messages or social media captions and wonder what it’s even about? Or perhaps you think you’re up to date on all the latest text slang? Well, think again. Of course there are the classics like BRB and LOL that are still floating around, but there’s a whole new world of abbreviations, acronyms and codes taking over messaging and social media captions. They’ll leave you confused, scratching your head, and wondering what the words are supposed to be saying. Today we’re breaking down the newest and trendiest text lingo! So, you’ll soon be texting like a pro and keeping up with the conversation, no problem. Ready to dive into our new text slang dictionary? Let’s get into it.

Why Are So Many People Using Slang in Text Messages

Slang isn’t a new concept and, in fact, has been around for ages. People use text slang to communicate quicker, more efficiently, and secretively (when other people don’t know what the slang means, i.e., parents looking over teenagers shoulders trying to read messages) and to be informal. Text slang is quirky and filled with personality. It sounds far more casual than a full, correct piece of text. It can also save time and space, especially when writing text in capacities that limit the number of characters allowed.

Text Slang You Need to Know

Whether you’re a parent or just a curious person, it’s important to stay up to date with text slang. Otherwise, you might find yourself looking at a message wondering what that person is trying to say. Sometimes slang is self-explanatory, but often it’s not and more just known. Ready to deep dive into our text slang dictionary? 

Text Slang Dictionary (In No Particular Order)

There are some text slang that everyone probably knows, but we’ll list them here just in case. Make sure you read until the end to find out all the newest and hottest text slang trends!

• LOL – laughing out loud
• G2G – got to go
• FB – Facebook
• MSG – message
• IMO – in my opinion
• IMU – I miss you.
• POV – point of view
• FTW – for the win
• YNK – you never know

There are some text slangs that are designed so that kids can communicate with each other and parents won’t know what they’re saying. It’s imperative that parents are aware of these! Below you’ll find some of the most widely used slang to shield messages from parents.

• PITR – parents in the room
• POMS – parents over my shoulder
• PAW – parents are watching
• PAH – parents at home
• SMH – shaking my head
• KPC – keeping parents clueless
• PBB – parents behind back

Some slang is designed to focus on feelings without having to say too many words. This helps make messaging more efficient and even more fun.

• TFW – that feeling when
• MFW – my face when
• MRW – my reaction when
• IFYP – I feel your pain
• YGTR – you got that right
• AFAIK – as far as I know
• TNTL – trying not to laugh
• CSL – can’t stop laughing
• IIRC – if I remember correctly
• TIME – tears in my eyes
• BWL – bursting with laughter

Other slang terms deliver an entire message with just a few letters. They’re often used as comments on social media posts and short text messages.

• SRSLY – seriously
• CWOT – complete waste of time
• SSDD – same stuff, different day
• OMDB – over my dead body
• WYWH – wish you were here

There are some slang terms that are used to be disclaimers. This is especially important if you’re giving advice to someone either through text or online.

• IANAL – I am not a lawyer.
• TINLA – this is not legal advice.
• AFAIC – as far as I’m concerned
• IIRC – if I remember correctly
• AFAICT – as far as I can tell

Other slang terms are designed to grab someone’s attention and convey an entire message in a few letters.

• IRL – in real life
• SOML – story of my life
• TIL – today I learnt
• J4F – just for fun
• EMBM – early morning business meeting
• OH – overheard
• DWH – during work hours

Sometimes text slang terms are used to greet someone, wish someone something, or end a conversation. Below are some examples.

• OMW – on my way
• GL – good luck
• IDK – I don’t know
• TTYL – talk to you later
• W8 – wait
• CYT – see you tomorrow
• AFK – away from keyboard

Slang terms can also be used to tell someone about warnings or things to be cautious of. It’s often quicker than writing out the full words.

• NSFW – not safe for work
• NSFL – not safe for life
• SFW – safe for work
• GRAS – generally recognised as safe
• OC – original content
• 4AO – for adults only
• OP – original poster

Finally, there are slang terms that are just fun, silly and exciting to use to communicate with others.

• ICYMI – in case you missed it
• TMI – too much information
• AFAIK – as far as I know
• LMK – let me know
• TBH – to be honest
• ISO – in search of
• FTFY – fixed that for you
• BFD – big freakin deal
• DAE – does anyone else
• BTS – behind the scenes
• IKR – I know, right?
• FWIW – for what it’s worth
• WYD – what are you doing?
• NBD – no big deal
• TBD – to be decided
• JIC – just in case
• MYOB – mind your own business
• WYSIWYG – what you see is what you get

There are even slang text terms that help with work and business. These slang terms help to convey messages with minimal effort.

• EOD – end of day
• EOW – end of week
• ETA – estimated time of arrival
• COB – close of business
• LMGTFY – let me Google that for you.
• OOO – out of office
• TIA – thanks in advance
• WFH – work from home
• WYGAM – when you get a minute
• B2C – business to consumer
• P/E – price-to-earnings ratio
• EBITDA – earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation

The Takeaway

As you can see, there are plenty of slang text terms that can streamline your communication, convey clear messages and make messaging more efficient. With just a couple of letters, you can deliver everything you wish to say! How many of these slang terms did you know already? Which one was the most surprising?