Updated February 2nd, 2023
Text abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases that help save time and characters. They’re often used for things like social media posts and text messages to limit the number of characters used. Many text abbreviations are also used as slang, especially by younger generations, and keeping up-to-date on the latest text shorthand can help you communicate better with your audience.
At this point, text abbreviations almost deserve their own dictionary. With every generation, text slang changes, and a whole new set of abbreviations needs to be learned. If you want to stay relevant in your marketing messages — because even companies use abbreviations in business texts — then you’ll need to stay up-to-date on the latest text abbreviations.
Luckily, you’re not alone if you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “What does btw mean in a text?” or “Is it appropriate to say LOL right now?”
Here’s a guide to text abbreviations and ideas on how you can use them to improve your mass texting and SMS marketing.
134 Text Abbreviations and Acronyms To Remember
Here’s a cheat sheet of SMS and text message abbreviations to make sure you’re never stumped the next time someone uses text shorthand in a message.
Common text abbreviations
- ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
- STFU: Shut the f*** up
- ICYMI: In case you missed it
- TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read
- TMI: Too much information
- AFAIK: As far as I know
- LMK: Let me know
- NVM: Nevermind
- FTW: For the win
- BYOB: Bring your own beer
- BOGO: Buy one get one
- JK: Just kidding
- JW: Just wondering
- TGIF: Thank goodness it’s Friday
- TBH: To be honest
- TBF: To be frank
- RN: Right now
- FUBAR: F***** up beyond all recognition
- BRB: Be right back
- ISO: In search of
- BRT: Be right there
- BTW: By the way
- FTFY: Fixed that for you
- GG: Good game
- BFD: Big freaking deal
- IRL: In real life
- DAE: Does anyone else?
- LOL: Laugh out loud
- SMH: Shaking my head
- NGL: Not gonna lie
- BTS: Behind the scenes
- IKR: I know right
- TTYL: Talk to you later
- HMU: Hit me up
- FWIW: For what it’s worth
- IMO: In my opinion
- WYD: What are you doing?
- IMHO: In my humble opinion
- IDK: I don’t know
- IDC: I don’t care
- IDGAF: I don’t give a f***
- NBD: No big deal
- TBA: To be announced
- TBD: To be decided
- AFK: Away from keyboard
- ABT: About
- IYKYK: If you know you know
- B4: Before
- BC: Because
- JIC: Just in case
- FOMO: Fear of missing out
- SNAFU: Situation normal, all f***** up
- GTG/G2G: Got to go
- H8: Hate
- LMAO: Laughing my a** off
- IYKWIM: If you know what I mean
- MYOB: Mind your own business
- POV: Point of view
- TLC: Tender loving care
- HBD: Happy birthday
- W/E: Whatever
- WTF: What the f***
- WYSIWYG: What you see is what you get
- FWIF: For what it’s worth
- TW: Trigger warning
Business text abbreviations
- EOD: End of day
- FAQ: Frequently asked question
- AKA: Also known as
- ASAP: As soon as possible
- DIY: Do it yourself
- LMGTFY: Let me Google that for you
- NP: No problem
- N/A: Not applicable or not available
- OOO: Out of office
- TIA: Thanks in advance
- COB: Close of business
- FYI: For your information
- NSFW: Not safe for work
- WFH: Work from home
- OMW: On my way
- WDYT: What do you think?
- WYGAM: When you get a minute
Social media text abbreviations
- SMP: Social media platform
- DM: Direct message
- FB: Facebook
- IG: Instagram
- LI: LinkedIn
- YT: YouTube
- FF: Follow Friday
- IM: Instant message
- PM: Private message
- OP: Original post
- QOTD: Quote of the day
- OOTD: Outfit of the day
- RT: Retweet
- TBT: Throwback Thursday
- TIL: Today I learned
- AMA: Ask me anything
- ELI5: Explain like I’m 5
- FBF: Flashback Friday
- MFW: My feeling when
- HMU: Hit me up
Romantic text abbreviations
- ILY: I love you
- MCM: Man crush Monday
- WCW: Woman crush Wednesday
- BF: Boyfriend
- GF: Girlfriend
- BAE: Before anyone else
- LYSM: Love you so much
- PDA: Public display of affection
- LTR: Longterm relationship
- DTR: Define the relationship
- LDR: Long-distance relationship
- XOXO: Hugs and kisses
- OTP: One true pairing
- LOML: Love of my life
Text message marketing acronyms and jargon
- CTA: Call to action
- UGC: User-generated content
- UX: User experience
- SMS: Short message service
- MMS: Multimedia messaging service
- RCS: Rich communication services
- ROI: Return on investment
- CTR: Click-through rate
- CPC: Cost per click
- CR: Conversion rate
- SMB: Small/medium business
- TOS: Terms of service
- SEO: Search engine optimization
- 5G: 5th generation, meaning the newest generation of mobile communications
- TCPA: Telephone Consumer Protection Act
- Text Broadcast: A single message sent to a large group of people
- Text to Join: A method people can use to opt into your text list
- Text to Win: A contest you run through text message
- Text to Landline: When you send or receive text messages on a landline phone
Sometimes, text abbreviations just make sense. They’re especially helpful when you’re trying to keep your texts within a certain character limit, or when you’re using very common abbreviations that don’t need to be written out. Using a text message abbreviation in the right way can also help you break through to consumers and speak to them in a natural way, especially if you’re reaching out for ecommerce marketing initiatives
Here are examples of where text abbreviations fit naturally within the body of the message.
Example 1:
Thank you! Your customer service request has been logged. A specialist will reach out by EOD.
Example 2:
ICYMI: Storewide sale this weekend only. Show this text at the counter for an additional 10% off. BTW, store hours are 9AM-7PM Sat and Sun.
Example 3:
TGIF! Celebrate the start of the weekend at [RESTAURANT NAME]. Show this text for two-for-one appetizers.
Example 4:
NOTICE: We’ve had to delay our event today due to weather. A new day is TBD, and we’ll let you know as soon as it’s decided!
Example 5:
HBD! Celebrate your big day with 25% off your next order with code [NAME][DATE].
Best Practices for Sending Mass Texts with Abbreviations
These are merely a few examples of how you can use a text abbreviation to establish a rapport with your customers when sending automated text messages. No matter how you decide to use text shorthand, try to keep these guidelines in mind.
1. Keep it simple
Because text slang and text message abbreviations can be personal, you don’t want to get caught trying to use abbreviations that don’t quite make sense — especially when you’re sending business text messages. Sticking with the classics, like using BTW to say by the way, is always a good idea. Also, don’t try to cram too many letters into one abbreviation. If it gets too cluttered, it loses the purpose of simplifying what you’re trying to say.
2. Stay professional
Definitely avoid abbreviations with foul language in them when you’re sending business text messages. It’s already hard to convey tone through text, and adding edgy abbreviations just complicates this task. Play it safe and stick to family-friendly slang.
3. Add media to your texts
The great thing about text message marketing is you’re not limited to only text! By sending an MMS message you can actually attach an image or a GIF. If you’re sending a TGIF appetizer special, for example, attaching an image to the mobile coupon can help you look more professional and compelling.
Avoid Abbreviation Mistakes
Even though text abbreviations can be useful, it’s also quite easy to go wrong when trying to use them. Part of the reason for this is that slang changes rapidly, and using a text message abbreviation that’s no longer in vogue can make you stand out—in the wrong way. Avoid these mistakes in order to come across in your best light when texting.
1. Watch out for dated slang
What’s in style and what’s dated is obviously subjective, so part of this really relies on your knowing your audience. Just as an example: it would probably come across as out-of-touch to millennials if you incorporate numbers into your abbreviations. Common abbreviations like “Good 2 c u” or “Come 2 our bar 2nite 4 a gr8 time” probably aren’t going to convince many younger people that you know what you’re talking about.
It’s a good idea to run your abbreviations by a few different people on your marketing team before using them. Try to get the best sense for your audience, and scrap any abbreviations you’re unsure about.
2. Don’t overuse abbreviations
You don’t want a whole text full of abbreviations, because that’s just going to make people feel like they’re deciphering a code. As a guideline, it’s safest to stick with one well-placed abbreviation in your entire text message. If you’re trying to abbreviate because you’re running out of room, consider sending a shortened link to a website that can more fully explain the details you’re trying to get across. Or, send an MMS with a photo that contains more information.
Text Abbreviations As a Marketing Asset
Using a text abbreviation in the right way gives your company the chance to speak casually with your customers and show them you truly understand their language. Just make sure your abbreviations are simple and common enough that people actually understand what you’re saying. If you’re ever in doubt, opt for a full-length version of the word you’re trying to shorten.
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Ready to try out some of the text message abbreviations above? Kick off your free trial, and send your first text message with the trusted leader in SMS marketing.
Do you know your LMK from your IDK or even your IDC? Texting abbreviations are so prevalent these days that they seem to be a language all of their own. There are probably enough of them in existence to fill a dictionary!
Although you’ll be acquainted with some texting lingo, you’re not alone if you’ve seen a few acronyms that baffle you.
In this article, we’ve listed the top 100 text abbreviations that are most commonly used, along with their meaning. Use these to save time talking to friends and family. There’s also a specific list of texting abbreviations for business text messages. But first, here’s an explainer of the basics…
What are texting abbreviations?
Text abbreviations are simply shortened versions of a word or phrase. They’re often used in text messages where space for getting your message across is limited.
(You only have 160 characters to play with in a text message – any more and you’ll end up sending multiple texts. And depending on your mobile texting plan, you may pay per text message. So going over the character limit even by a few words will cost you double.)
Depending on how old you are, you might remember the early days of texting, before predictive text became a thing. Finding a particular letter on a mobile phone keypad was somewhat tedious; you’d often have to tap a button numerous times to get to the correct letter to spell out a word. Hence, mobile phone users began to use text abbreviations.
Nowadays, it’s much easier to type out a text message on a smartphone keyboard. But texting abbreviations are more widely used than ever before. And not just by younger generations that use text slang day in and day out. Two-thirds of adults use text abbreviations (and seven out of ten use acronyms in email as well).
Text abbreviations are helpful for anyone who needs to be succinct when communicating through text messages. Businesses should also be using them now and then, when appropriate, to stay relevant.
Using text abbreviations can help you fit more content into your text message and save you time, as you don’t need to type every word out in full. At the very least, it’s essential to know what some of the most popular text abbreviations mean so that you can respond in the right way.
The most common texting abbreviations
You’ll probably have come across many of these text abbreviations before… even if you’re not quite sure what they mean. Once you get the hang of them, they can be quite the time saver when you’re chatting to friends and family via text messaging.
1. LOL – laughing out loud
2. OMG – oh my god (or oh my gosh)
3. IMO – in my opinion
4. IMHO – in my humble opinion (or in my honest opinion)
5. BTW – by the way
6. IDK – I don’t know
7. LMK – let me know
8. TBH – to be honest
9. TGIF – thank goodness it’s Friday
10. ROFL – rolling on floor laughing
11. BRB – be right back
12. BBL – be back later
13. TTYL –talk to you later
14. THX – thanks
15. TY – thank you
16. YW – you’re welcome
17. ASAP – as soon as possible
18. POV – point of view
19. NBD – no big deal
20. OMW – on my way
21. DIY – do it yourself
22. AKA – also known as
23. SMS – short message service
24. OATUS – on a totally unrelated subject
25. ICYMI – in case you missed it
26. STFU – shut the **** up
27. BF – boyfriend
28. GF – girlfriend
29. SO – significant other
30. ILY – I love you
31. YOLO – you only live once
32. B4 – before
33. IRL – in real life
34. TMI – too much information
35. ATM – at the moment
36. BFF – best friends forever
37. BYOB – bring your own beer
38. CU – see you
39. UR – you are
40. FYI – for your information
41. FOMO –fear of missing out
42. GR8 – great
43. SMH – shaking my head
44. L8R – later
45. JMO – just my opinion
46. NVM – never mind
47. GL – good luck
48. FWIW – for what it’s worth
49. GBU – god bless you
50. IMNSHO – in my not so humble opinion
51. RN – right now
52. TLDR – too long, didn’t read
53. QOTD – quote of the day
54. TBF – to be frank
55. DKDC – don’t know, don’t care
56. IDC – I don’t care
57. K – okay
58. 2NITE – tonight
59. CWOT – complete waste of time
60. LMAO – laughing my a** off
61. MU – miss you
62. SSDD – same stuff, different day
63. XOXO – hugs and kisses
64. NE1 – anyone
65. OTT – over the top
66. PLZ – please
67. DM – direct message
68. RUOK – are you okay?
69. SPK – speak
70. SRY – sorry
71. SUP – what’s up?
72. TTFN – ta ta for now
73. VN – very nice
74. WTF – what the ****
75. Y? – why?
76. JK – just kidding
77. BC – because
The top text abbreviations used in business text messages
These text abbreviations below are those you’re more likely to use in a business setting when you’re communicating with colleagues and customers. (There are a few in the above list too, such as DM, THX, TY, ASAP and POV).
78. TBC – to be confirmed
79. TBA – to be announced
80. TBD – to be determined
81. FAQ – frequently asked questions
82. N/A – not applicable
83. TIA – thanks in advance
84. OOO – out of office
85. T&C – terms and conditions
86. NP – no problem
87. EOD – end of day
88. ETA – estimated time of arrival
89. EMBM – early morning business meeting
90. CTA – call to action
91. ROI – return on investment
92. VFM – value for money
93. CTR – click-through rate
94. B2B – business to business
95. B2C – business to consumer
96. BOGOF – buy one get one free
97. FF – follow Friday
98. OTP – one time password
99. HTH – hope this helps
100. WFH – work from home
Using text abbreviations in a business text message
It’s perfectly acceptable to use certain text abbreviations in business and marketing messages, for brevity and relevance. Doing so can position your brand as one that’s forward-thinking and modern. But bear in mind that too many texting abbreviations can make your text message content hard to read and look unprofessional.
The trick is to strike a balance. Use well-known text abbreviations wisely (and only a couple per text message), and you’ll connect with your customers in a way they’ll recognise and appreciate.
Text abbreviations can work brilliantly in the following situations:
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If your brand identity and messaging are fun, quirky and modern.
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If you know your audience is likely to understand your abbreviated text message content. (People age 34 and under are more likely to be familiar with most common text abbreviations, and an older audience may understand the mainstream ones, e.g., LOL, ASAP, FAQ and T&C.)
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When you’re sending out ‘good news’ promotional SMS messages, such as special offers, flash sales and product/service discounts. (Note: don’t abbreviate gratitude in a business text message. It’s important to say thank you the old fashioned way: plain and simple.)
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When you have quite a bit to say in a text message and need to save on character space.
- When communicating with co-workers and you’re short on time.
An education in texting abbreviations!
Hopefully, our list of the top 100 texting abbreviations will help you become a whizz in text slang and save time when texting. At the very least, you’ll have a rough idea of what people are talking about when you receive acronym-filled text messages!
Texting shouldn’t be complicated, especially in business when you need to send out communications urgently and efficiently. If you’re using SMS messages for business, browse the Messente blog for tons of helpful articles that’ll help you get the best out of your SMS campaigns.
Abbreviation for Texting! Texting abbreviations is the key point in your typing speed. If you use Abbreviation for Texting in your text message instead of full words then it will enhance your speed to infinity. If we use abbreviations in our text messaging it will help us to save our time and send your message to another person Faster than a lengthy text. It also helps to talk in code wording. Learn chat abbreviations and a list of abbreviations for students. There is a list of important abbreviations from a to z pdf.
My friend thinks ‘Lol’ means ‘Lots of Love’. She texted me saying, “My dog died”. Lol.”
Fun Stuff To Do Says:
Here are a few other funny answers by readers on what ‘LOL’ means:
- LITTLE OLD LADY
- LOVE ONLINE
- LYING ONLINE
- LIVING ON LOAF
- LEARNING OTHER LANGUAGE
- LEAVE OTHERS LIVING
- LOVING OTHER LOSERS (IT CAN’T GET WORSE!)
Here is the list of commonly used a to z abbreviations list:
Abbreviation for Texting list
ACK | Acknowledgment |
AUS | Are you serious? |
CTN | Can’t talk now |
CWYL | Chat with you latter |
C&P | Copy and Paste |
DTR | Define the relationship |
DUK | Do you Know? |
FACK | Full Acknowledge |
GB | Good Bye |
IDK | I don’t know |
N/A | Not Available / Applicable |
OTOH | On the other Hand |
TBA | To be Announced |
2N8 | Tonight |
w00t | Whoomp, there it is; Meaning “Hooray” |
APP | Application |
AFK | Away from Keyboard |
BCOY | Big crush on you |
CRT | Create |
DGMW | Don’t get me wrong |
DL | Download |
4Uri | For your info |
FTW | Fuck the World / For the Win |
IMNSHO | In my not so Humble / Honest Opinion |
noob n00b | Newbie |
ROTFL | Rolling on the Floor Laughing |
CU | See you |
10 Q | Thank you |
THX TNX | Thanks |
WTF | What the Fuck |
AAMOF | As a Matter of Fact |
B4 | Before |
BR | Best regards |
BTW | By the Way |
DUR | Do you remember? |
EOT | End of Thread / .. Text / .. Transmission |
4AO | For adults only |
GBU | God Bless you! |
ICUB | I call you Back |
ICYMI | In Case you missed it |
MMW | Mark my Words |
OT | Off Topic |
CUO | See you Online |
SPOC | Single Point of Contact |
TYVM | Thank You Very Much |
ACK | Acknowledge |
AKA | Also known as |
COS | Because |
CM | Call me |
DIY | Do it Yourself |
DUKM | Do you know me? |
EOL | End of the Lecture |
FWIW | For what it’s Worth |
BDY | Happy Birthday |
143 | I love you |
IMO | In my Opinion |
NOYB | None of your Business |
RSVP | Repondez s’il vous plait (French: Please reply) |
TIA | Thanks in Advance |
WTH | What the Hell / What the Heck |
B2K BTK | Back to Keyboard |
BC | Be cool |
BT | Bite this |
BIL | Brother in law |
DH | Dear Husband |
EMA | Email address |
EOD | End of Discussion |
HF | Have fun |
ITT | In this Thread |
OMG | Oh my God |
6k | Sick |
SCNR | Sorry, could not Resist |
TTYL | Talk to you Later |
YMMD | You made my Day |
FYI / JFYI | (Just) For your Information |
B/C | Because |
BF | Boyfriend |
Cam | Camera |
CB | Coffee break |
DIKU | Do I know you? |
EOBD | End of Business Day |
EOL | End of life |
IOW | In other Words |
NRN | No Reply Necessary |
9 | Parent is watching |
RTFM | Read the fine Manual |
TQ | Thank You |
YAM | Yet Another Meeting |
AFAIR | As far as I remember / recall |
ASAP | As soon as possible |
BIL | Brother in law |
CTO | Check this out |
CYS | Check your Settings |
DM | Direct message |
FKA | Formerly known as |
G2R | Go to run |
IMHO | In my Humble Opinion |
LU | Love you |
NNTR | No need to Reply |
POV | Point of View |
10 X | Thanks |
TGIF | Thanks God, its Friday |
WRT | With Regard to |
ATB | All the best |
AFAIK | As far as I know |
BIB | Boss is back |
Dud | Dude |
FAQ | Frequently asked Questions |
GF | Girl Friend |
GL | Good Luck |
1432 | I love you too |
IIRC | If I Recall / Remember Correctly |
NaN | Not a Number |
PEBKAC | Problem exists between Keyboard and Chair |
CU | See you |
CUL | See you later |
TBC | To be Continued / To be Confirmed |
WFM | Works for Me |
BTT | Back to Topic |
BB | Big Brother |
BPLM | Big person little mind |
DBEYR | Don’t Believe everything you read |
EOM | End of Message |
E1 | Everyone |
4YEO FYEO | For Your Eyes Only |
GN8T | Good night |
HTH | Hope this Helps |
LOL | Laughing out loud |
OP | Original Poster, Original Post |
SFLR | Sorry, for late Reply |
TYT | Take your Time |
W8ng | Waiting |
YMMV | Your Mileage may vary |
Infographics (100 Text Abbreviations)
Abbreviation for texting pdf
About The Author
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Several Latin-derived abbreviations are commonly used in both everyday and academic English (like e.g., i.e., et al., etc.). These abbreviations do not need to be explained.
Usually, these abbreviations take a full stop, “.“, after the last letter in each abbreviated word, although some publications dispense with the periods (like eg, ie, et al, etc). Some journals put all Latin abbreviations in italics, either with or without the periods (et al., e.g., i.e., etc.). Whichever style is used, it is important that the style be used consistently throughout the text.
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The word and/or can be used to simplify writing. For example,
There are many ways to detect convective events if they produce heavy rainfall and/or lightning.
means that the events can be detected if they produce either heavy rainfall or lightning, or both heavy rainfall and lightning. Note that no blank space occurs between the words and the slash.
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The abbreviation anon. stands for “anonymous.” This abbreviation is typically used in a list of references to refer to a work by an anonymous author.
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The abbreviation c. or ca. stands for the Latin word “circa,” which means approximately. With a numeral, the symbol ~ may be used.
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The abbreviation cf. stands for the word “confer” and means “compare to.” It is sometimes italicized: cf.
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The abbreviation def. means “definition.”
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The two abbreviations e.g. and i.e. are easily confused with each other. The abbreviation e.g. stands for the Latin exempli gratia, which means “for example”. Use e.g. when giving a non-comprehensive list or example.
Many colors can be created by combining primary colors (e.g., orange is a combination of red and yellow).
The abbreviation i.e. stands for the Latin id est, which means “that is” or “in other words”. Use i.e. when rephrasing or giving clarifying information.
It is generally supposed that there is no overlap between P and NP-Complete problems (i.e., that NP-Complete problems cannot be solved in polynomial time).
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The abbreviation ed. can either mean “editor” or “edition.” The plural forms of the word, “editors” and “editions” are abbreviated eds.
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When citing a reference with more than two (or three) authors, it is common to give only the last name of the first author followed by et al., which is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase et alii, meaning “and others”. Note that a period comes after the letters “al”, because this word is an abbreviated form, but not after “et”, because this word is not an abbreviation.
Efforts towards a sustainable strategy have been initiated by the Swedish government (Gerhardt et al., 2013).
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The abbreviation etc. stands for the Latin et cetera, which means “and other things”. The abbreviation is used to indicate that a given list is not comprehensive. The word is usually followed by a full stop, but note that if etc. ends a sentence, only one full stop is used.
We included several characteristics about the measuring sites (whether they were urban, rural, etc.) in our data.
Monitored pollution types included particulate matter, gases, etc. We also collected information from the factories themselves.
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The abbreviation ibid is an abbreviation for the Latin word ibidem, which means “in the same place”. Ibid. is used in a reference list when several works by the same author are listed consecutively.
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The abbreviation illus. means either “illustration” or “illustrated by.”
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Ms. is an abbreviation for manuscript. Mss. means manuscripts.
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The abbreviation n/a means “not applicable.” It is used to indicate when there is no relevant information available.
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The abbreviation NB stands for the Latin word “nota bene,” which means “take note” or “notice.” It is used to indicate that readers should take special notice of something.
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The abbreviation nd may appear as n.d., ND, or N.D. In a table reporting results, nd usually stands for “not determined”. When used in a citation, nd usually means “no date”, for example with an internet source. (The full reference should report the date that the information was accessed.)
Convective initiation is the first stage in any kind of convective event (Groenemeijer et al., n.d.).
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The abbreviations no. (sometimes seen as N°) means “number” (from Latin numero). This abbreviation can only be used in front of a numeral; it cannot stand on its own as a noun within a text.
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The abbreviations p. and pg. mean “page.”; pp. and pgs. mean “pages.”
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The abbreviation pseud. stands for “pseudonym.” A pseudonym is a fictitious name assumed to hide one’s true identity.
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The abbreviation pub. can either mean “published by” or “publisher.”
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The abbreviation qtd. in, when used in a citation, stands for “quoted in”, and is used when quoting from a secondary source. As with many abbreviations, the full stop at the end of qtd is optional.
Simone de Beauvoir’s famous words “one is not born a woman; one becomes one” (qtd in Moi, Sexual/Texual… 92) formed the starting point for second-wave feminism.
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The abbreviation trans. stands for “translation.”
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The abbreviation UP stands for “university press.” A university press is a publishing house tied to a university.
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Viz. is an abbreviation of the Latin word videlicet, which means “namely.”
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The abbreviation vol. means “volume” and commonly refers to one book in a series of related books. The plural form of the word, “volumes,” is abbreviated vols.
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The abbreviation vs. comes from the Latin word versus, which means “against.”
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As advocates of SMS marketing best practices, we would be remiss if we don’t acknowledge the rise of text slang and abbreviations.
What Are Abbreviations for Texting?
Text abbreviations are shortened versions of a word or phrase used to save time. They’re also helpful when you have to stay within a limited character count.
In the past, deciphering text-speak was for cool moms and dads who wanted to fit in with their teens.
Today, businesses of every size are starting to recognize the value of incorporating text abbreviations into their campaigns to attract, engage, and foster relationships with their customers.
Learning text abbreviations is a must for any marketer who wants to keep up with the speed and brevity of today’s bite-sized communication style.
The challenge is to adapt to text-ese (an evolving language by itself) while maintaining proper texting etiquette and providing value at the same time.
If you’re still baffled every time you read IIRC, BRB, and IDK, this cheat sheet of SMS abbreviations and internet acronyms commonly used is for you.
Let’s walk through some of the slang abbreviations for texting you’re likely to come across.
The Most Popular SMS Abbreviations
- BRB – Be Right Back
Sorry, just grabbing a coffee – BRB! - BTW – By the Way
I’m on the way, BTW should I bring anything? - OMG – Oh my God/Goodness
OMG I can’t believe that happened! - IDK – I Don’t Know
The traffic’s delayed me, IDK what time I’ll get there! - TTYL – Talk to You Later
I’ve got to run, TTYL. - OMW – On My Way
I’ve just left, OMW now! - SMH – Shaking My Head
I can’t believe you just said that, SMH. - LOL – Laugh Out Loud
That’s so funny, LOL! - TBD – To be Determined
The time and place is TBD! - IMHO/IMO – In My Humble Opinion/In My Opinion
IMHO, coffee is way better than tea. - HMU – Hit Me Up
If you need anything just HMU! - LMK – Let Me Know
LMK if you need anything from the grocery store. - OG – Original Gangsters (used for old friends)
You’ll love her, she’s one of my OGs! - FTW – For The Win
Did you see the match last night? Bills FTW! - NVM – Nevermind
NVM about grabbing the chips, I found some at home! - OOTD – Outfit of the Day
What’s your OOTD? I don’t know which shoes to wear! - FWIW – For What It’s Worth
FWIW, I think it’s going to rain anyway.
Romantic Text Abbreviations
Texting abbreviations can be casual, but you’ll also need quick and easy ways to tell that special someone you’re thinking about them.
- BF – Boyfriend
- GF – Girlfriend
- ILY – I Love You
- MCM – Man Crush Monday
- WCW – Woman Crush Wednesday
Other Common Text Abbreviations and Acronyms
This list of SMS abbreviations and Internet acronyms is far from complete. Like culture, text-ese evolves over time. As a result, new acronyms and SMS abbreviations are introduced and used every day.
There are a few of our favorites that you can be confident most people will know. Give one a try today!
Abbreviation/Acronym |
Meaning |
AKA |
Also Known As |
ASAP |
As Soon As Possible |
CTA |
Call To Action |
DIY |
Do It Yourself |
DND |
Do Not Disturb |
EOD |
End of Day |
NP |
No Problem |
N/A |
Not Available |
W/O |
Without |
TY |
Thank You |
TMRW |
Tomorrow |
TGIF |
Thank God It’s Friday |
TBH |
To Be Honest |
UGC |
User Generated Content |
T&C |
Terms And Conditions |
RN |
Right Now |
QOTD |
Quote of the Day |
OOO |
Out Of Office |
Common Texting Slang
Like text abbreviations, texting slang can be confusing if you’ve never encountered them before. Take a look at the most common slang examples below.
- No cap – No lie; I’m not lying. Ex. “Did you get tickets to the concert for real?” “No cap.”
- Gucci – Good, cool. Ex. “I got us tickets to the concert.” “Gucci.”
- Sus – Suspicious or suspect. Ex. “I got us tickets to the concert that’s sold out.” “That’s sus.”
- Sending me – Used to describe something that excites or humors you. Ex. “This new song is sending me!”
- Lowkey – Moderately; kind of. Ex. “This new song is lowkey my favorite.
Business Abbreviations For Texting
Texting is also common among coworkers and customers. These abbreviations will help you navigate the world of professional texting.
- B2C – Business to Consumer
We serve all kinds of B2C companies, from ecommerce to tech support. - DSC – Dedicated Short Code
A unique 5- to 6-digit number that your business can use to send SMS or MMS messages (this article provides more information on all our number types). - EOD – End of Day
Good morning! Our year-end sale is only until EOD. See you at our store! - FTFY – Fixed That For You
Thank you for calling customer support! We’ve addressed your concern as of 9 PM today. FTFY! - ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
ICYMI, The Expanse Season 3 is now on our archives. Upgrade your account today to get access! - MMS – Multimedia Messaging Service
MMS messaging allows you to add media like audio, video, and GIFs to your texts. - SMS – Short Message Service
SMS is a message type you can use to send and receive texts over a cell network. - TL;DR – Too Long; Didn’t Read
Good day! You will be receiving an in-depth explanation on how to file your claim with us in your email today. For a TL;DR version, call us at 555-123-4567 between 9 am- 5 pm Mon-Fri. - TYVM- Thank You Very Much
TYVM for your purchase! See you at our next sale in the fall. - WIP – Work in Progress
If you’re having trouble exporting files, contact customer support at [email protected] Bug fixes are a WIP by the dev team.
Incorporating Texting Abbreviations in a Business Setting
Now that you’re an expert in business text abbreviations, your next step is to familiarize yourself with the do’s and don’ts of using them.
Our lists are a great way to keep on top of the must-know text speak for your professional and personal life.
- Don’t cram too many texting abbreviations in one text.
What would it feel like if you receive a text from your insurance company saying: Sup! ICYMI, CYE for instrux on policy renewal. SSIA. Sounds rude, right? - Be creative, but not unprofessional. When appropriate, add images and GIFs using MMS marketing.
Your words and acronyms don’t have to do all of the talking. It’s easy to attach images and graphics to your messages as well. Use these to make your messages more engaging. - Text like an adult. Don’t use shorthand like “2” for “to” or “U” for “you.”
Texting like this does save precious characters—but it also looks unprofessional. Compare these two texts:“Go2 Meg’s 2day asap 4 a gr8 deal! 20% off ne slice wen u sho dis text.”
“Visit Meg’s ASAP for a great deal! 20% off any slice when you show this text.”
Which text looks like it’s from a respectable business?
- Only use text abbreviations your audience will understand.
Knowing your audience helps you decide which abbreviations are appropriate and which ones aren’t.For instance, you wouldn’t want to text “Hello, this is Joe, tech support for X Cable. Responding to your query, FTFY!” to a 70-year old needing help with his cable. In this instance it would be better to write out, “Be seeing you.”
Text Abbreviation Mistakes to Avoid
There are hundreds of word abbreviations out there, so any fear of using slang abbreviations for texting is warranted. The best thing to do is play it safe. Nobody’s going to be on your case if you type out the full phrase.
However, if you do want to start incorporating more abbreviation in your text messages these are two key things to avoid:
Avoid Using Dated Slang or Abbreviations When Texting
In a communication method that’s only a decade old, it’s hard to imagine text abbreviations going out of date.
But meanings change, just as they do in our everyday language. Keep an eye out for what others around you are using. Not only to gauge appropriateness, but also to keep on top of what phrases are still commonly used.
Avoid Overusing Text Abbreviations to Communicate
Sure, most young people can understand text abbreviations just fine. But nobody wants to read a full message written in them. Avoid:
Hi, WUU2? LMK if u want to TLK TMRW!
As mentioned previously, when in doubt simply take your time to type out the full word. It’s the fail-safe way of making sure your text messaging is read in the correct context.
Recognizing Your Audience
Just like addressing different people in day to day life, SMS requires you to adapt your speech based on who you’re talking to. Some of the popular SMS abbreviations you use on your friends might not be appropriate for your boss or a client.
Alfredo Salked
Alfredo leads the marketing team at SimpleTexting. In addition to writing about SMS, he also talks about it—literally. Our how-to videos are narrated by him.
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