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List of Text Slang, Definitions, and Examples | Chat Abbreviations

Have you ever received a text message like hbu, lol, and thx? These are all text or chat abbreviations, also known as text slang. Communication has evolved with the technology advancement. People figured out more convenient ways to text by using shorter forms of frequently used words, phrases, and sentences.

No one created rules of how text slang is supposed to be used, but people naturally and unofficially agreed that certain common terms can be used in abbreviations. If you aren’t so used to the texting culture or are an English learner, it can be slightly tricky to figure out the meaning of chat abbreviations. We’re here to help you learn some of the most commonly used text slang. Now, let’s get started.

text slang examples chat abbreviations

Text Slang List

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

Text Slang Definitions

Let’s go over the definitions of the abbreviation listed above. Also, we’ll provide you with example text messages using each text slang.

lmao

LMAO Meaning

Laguhing My Ass Off

LMAO Example Sentence

I look so funny in this picture lmao

asap

ASAP Meaning

As soon as possible

ASAP Example Sentence

Can you send me the file asap?

brb

BRB Meaning

Be right back

BRB Example Sentence

Just give me a second I’ll brb

btw

BTW Meaning

By the way

BTW Example Sentence

btw, did you finish your assignment?

dm

DM Meaning

Direct Message

DM Example Sentence

shoot me a dm when you arrive

ftw

FTW Meaning

For the win

FTW Example Sentence

Which baseball team I’m rooting for? Obviously Blue Jays FTW!

g2g

G2G Meaning

Got to go

G2G Example Sentence

g2g, will text you later

irl

IRL Meaning

In real life

IRL Example Sentence

I have a lot of friends on Facebook, but I haven’t met the majority of those people irl

jk

JK Meaning

Just kidding

JK Example sentence

That song is terrible… jk! It’s actually terribly good!!

lol

LOL Meaning

Laugh out loud

LOL Example Sentence

That’s hilarious lol

np

NP Meaning

No problem

NP Example Sentence

NP, I’m glad it helped!

nsfl

NSFL Meaning

Not safe for life

NSFL Example Sentence

I’m pretty sure that’s nsfl don’t even try it

nvm

NVM Meaning

Nevermind

NVM Example Sentence

nvm, I already figured it out

smh

SMH Meaning

Shake my head

SMH Example Sentence

Why did you do that?? smh

ily

ILY Meaning

I love you

ILY Example Sentence

Thanks for the present ily <3

omw

OMW Meaning

On my way

OMW Example Sentence

omw i’ll be there in 5 min

ttyl

TTYL Meaning

Talk to you later

TTYL Example Sentence

I have to hop on a call ttyl!

wdym

WDYM Meaning

What do you mean?

WDYM Example Sentence

wdym?? i don’t get it

FAQs About Text Slang

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about chat abbreviations and acronyms.

What does TY mean in texting?

TY means Thank You.

What is a texting acronym?

Texting acronyms are abbreviations of commonly used words, phrases, and sentences when texting. Some examples are wdym, ttyl, and omw.

What does txt stand for?

TXT is the abbreviation of text.

 

What is “How are you” in text slang?

In text slang, you say “HRU” to say “How are you?”

What does IG mean in text?

IG can mean two things depending on the context. It can be an abbreviation of “I guess” or “Instagram.”

How do you talk slang in text?

Common text slang includes asap, brb, btw, dm, ftw, g2g, ily, irl, jk, lmao, lol, np, nsfl, nvm, omw, smh, ttyl, and wdym.

More English Vocabulary

Check out the following articles to find more English vocabulary resources.

  • GYAT Meaning | What Does the Internet Slang GYAT Stand For?
  • American English Slang: Improve your English Vocabulary
  • Mi Amor Meaning | What Does Mi Amor Mean?
  • What are Silent Letter Words and Common Examples
  • Five Letter Words Without Vowels | No Vowel Words

Text Slang: Join the Conversation

Do you know another example of text slang? If you do, let us know what it is in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

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 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults, Great Debates for ESL/EFL, and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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