Texting abbreviations save time, but they’re confusing if nobody ever explained them to you. This guide covers the ones you’ll see most in texts, group chats and social media, with a full entry for each: what it means, how people actually use it, and where it came from.

Honesty and opinions

• fr: for real. Stresses that you mean what you’re saying, or asks “are you serious?”
• ngl: not gonna lie. Comes before an honest opinion or a small confession.
• tbh: to be honest. Introduces a frank view.
• imo / imho: in my opinion / in my humble opinion. Marks something as opinion, not fact.

Reactions

• lol: laughing out loud. Today it often just keeps a message light.
• smh: shaking my head. Disappointment, disapproval or disbelief.
• ikr: I know, right? Enthusiastic agreement.
• iykyk: if you know, you know. Points to an inside joke or shared experience.
• idk: I don’t know. A real answer, or a casual shrug.

Checking in and making plans

• wyd: what (are) you doing? A casual opener, and sometimes a flirty one.
• wya: where you at? Asks where someone is.
• hmu: hit me up. Get in touch with me.
• lmk: let me know. Asks for an answer or an update.
• brb: be right back. You’re stepping away for a minute.
• rn: right now.
• btw: by the way. Adds a side note or changes the subject.

Social media and online life

• DM: direct message. A private message, or to send one.
• oomf: one of my followers. Talks about someone without naming them.
• POV: point of view. On TikTok, a caption that puts you in a scene.
• ICYMI: in case you missed it. Flags news or a post people may have scrolled past.
• TL;DR: too long; didn’t read. Today it usually introduces a short summary.
• IRL: in real life, as opposed to online.

Feelings and big claims

• FOMO: fear of missing out.
• GOAT: greatest of all time.

Laughing, joking and reacting

• lmao: laughing my ass off. A stronger lol, and a little cruder.
• jk: just kidding. Marks a joke so it isn’t taken the wrong way.
• idc: I don’t care. Easygoing (“idc, you pick”) or cold, depending on the moment.
• nvm: never mind. Cancels your last message.
• LFG: a hype cheer, “let’s f—ing go.” In games, “looking for group.”

Coming, going and keeping the chat going

• ttyl: talk to you later. A friendly sign-off.
• gtg: got to go, also written g2g. You’re leaving now.
• omw: on my way. (Sometimes sent while still in bed.)
• hbu: how about you? Turns a question back to the other person. Also wbu.

Heads-ups and feelings

• FYI: for your information. Fine in work emails too.
• NSFW: not safe for work. A warning before explicit or graphic content.
• ily: I love you. Sincere, casual or a bit of both.

How to get the tone right

Most of these are written in lowercase. Capital letters can make a message feel louder or more formal, which is why “OK” and “ok” can read differently. A one-word reply such as a bare “idk” or “lol” can come across as cold even when it isn’t meant that way, so add a few words when tone matters.

Context changes meaning, too. A “wyd” from a coworker at 2 p.m. is small talk. The same text at midnight from someone you’re dating usually isn’t.

Are texting abbreviations okay at work?

Some are. ICYMI, FYI, BTW and TL;DR are common in workplace chats and newsletters, and “lmk” is fine in most team chats. Others, like ngl, fr or smh, are casual and best kept for friends or relaxed team channels. A good rule: if you wouldn’t say the full phrase in a meeting, don’t put the abbreviation in an email.

Looking for spoken slang instead? Try our Gen Z slang dictionary, the dating slang guide or the full A–Z index.