Texting abbreviations, in our opinion, are incredibly convenient! If you’re not familiar with the term “THE GOAT,” it might be a good time to update your texting vocabulary.
These letter combinations, which represent single words or phrases, have become so common in texting that they’ve transcended text messages and entered spoken conversations. They’re also prevalent in social media captions and comments.
Using texting abbreviations has been a common practice for many years. Understanding abbreviations like IJBOL is not just a tech tip; once you learn them, you’ll find yourself using them in everyday situations. If you’re using these messaging abbreviations along with a GIF, it’s also helpful to know what GIF stands for.
It’s challenging to imagine texting without abbreviations these days, but how did they become such an integral part of texting culture? Before smartphones, and especially before the era of keyboard phones, texters were limited to 160 characters per message. And before unlimited texting plans became standard, each text message incurred a cost.
Typing with just your thumbs was also slower compared to using a regular keyboard. Furthermore, before keyboard phones, you had to press a number multiple times to select a specific letter, which was time-consuming. Typing out complete words was inconvenient, so people began abbreviating words and sentences.
Abbreviating text is not limited to texting; it’s a common practice in various forms of communication. Here are some examples of text abbreviations that you might not have been aware you could use:
- NP/YW:
“ty,” “YW,” or “yw” all logically mean “you’re welcome.” Similarly, “NP” or “np” signifies “no problem.” Interestingly, NP can also mean both an apology and a thank you: “Sorry, but I’m going to be a few minutes late tonight!” “NP.”
- NBD:
“NBD” stands for “no big deal.” It’s a commonly used text abbreviation that works in various contexts, whether you’re using it seriously or casually. For example, you might say, “Don’t worry about being a few minutes late; it’s NBD!”
- LMK:
“LMK” means “let me know,” and it’s useful for prompting someone to provide information or make a decision. For instance, if you’re planning a group event and someone is uncertain about their attendance, you can say, “LMK when you know.”
- NVM:
“NVM” is an abbreviation for “never mind.” It’s used just like you would say it in real life. For example, if you ask, “What was the restaurant we went to last week???” and then, after some time, find the answer yourself, you can say, “NVM, I found it!”
- TMI:
“TMI” stands for “too much information.” It’s widely used outside of texting as well. For instance, if someone shares excessive details about their personal life on social media, a simple “TMI!” conveys everything. It’s also used when someone prefaces a story with “This might be TMI, but…” to warn others about forthcoming details.
- YNK:
“YNK” is short for “you never know.” It’s a great way to encourage friends and family to try new things or take risks. You never know what the outcome might be—it could be something amazing. For example, if a friend is contemplating leaving their job, you can text them, “YNK—you could find your dream job!”
- GOAT:
“GOAT,” when followed by “the,” stands for “greatest of all time.” It’s a popular term on social media used to compliment someone or something outstanding. For instance, you might say, “Did you see Michelle’s fitness routine? She’s the GOAT!” or “Last night, I saw the GOAT himself, John Williams, direct an orchestra!” While most abbreviations are initialisms, “GOAT” is an acronym.
- ICYMI:
“ICYMI” means “in case you missed it.” It’s useful for sharing something after the fact, such as a photo from an event you forgot to post on the day of. You can hashtag a recent event photo with “#ICYMI.” It’s also commonly used in the titles or subjects of news pieces or emails to highlight previously published content.
- TLDR:
“TLDR” stands for “too long, didn’t read.” It’s a common response to lengthy and verbose texts or articles. You might use it when someone shares a lengthy status update or article. In formal writing or lengthy social media posts, “TLDR” is sometimes followed by a brief summary to help readers quickly grasp the main points.
- IIRC:
“IIRC” is an acronym for “if I recall correctly.” It’s often used to preface a statement where the speaker wants to confirm their memory is accurate. For example, you might say, “IIRC, you promised me much more. I’ve attached a screenshot to confirm it.” It’s a handy abbreviation for providing receipts in online discussions.
These are some of the common texting abbreviations that enrich our digital communication in various ways. Understanding them allows you to communicate more efficiently and keep up with the evolving language of the digital era.
Also Read
The Significance of Online Savings Accounts in the Digital Age
Crafting AI-Powered Stickers on WhatsApp: A Step-by-Step Guide
