Last updated: Sept 2026
Internet chat and texting have created their own language of abbreviations. Here are 40+ common chat and texting slang abbreviations that internet users encounter daily.
Full List of Chat & Texting Terms
| Abbreviation | Full Form | Meaning & Usage |
|---|---|---|
| AFAIK | As Far As I Know | Expressing limited knowledge ("AFAIK, they're arriving tomorrow") |
| AFK | Away From Keyboard | User temporarily away from computer |
| ASAP | As Soon As Possible | Urgent/immediate priority |
| ATM | At The Moment | Right now, currently |
| B4 | Before | Informal texting abbreviation |
| BAE | Before Anyone Else | Slang for partner/crush |
| BFF | Best Friends Forever | Close friend |
| BRB | Be Right Back | Returning to chat soon |
| BTW | By The Way | Adding additional information |
| CONGRATS | Congratulations | Celebrating success |
| CRAY | Crazy | Something wild/unbelievable |
| CUL8R | See You Later | Goodbye (online slang) |
| CWOT | Complete Waste of Time | Something pointless |
| DIY | Do It Yourself | Self-help projects |
| DL | Download | Getting file from internet |
| DM | Direct Message | Private message on social media |
| DND | Do Not Disturb | Status indicating unavailability |
| ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival | "What's your ETA?" |
| FAM | Family | Close friends (slang) |
| FAV | Favorite | Personal preference |
| FML | F*** My Life | Expressing frustration (profane) |
| FYI | For Your Information | Sharing useful information |
| GG | Good Game | Acknowledging good performance (gaming) |
| GR8 | Great | Positive response (internet slang) |
| GTG | Got To Go | Leaving chat now |
| GTFOH | Get The F*** Out Of Here | Disbelief/shock (profane) |
| HAPPY | Expressing Joy | Direct word (not abbreviation) |
| IDGAF | I Don't Give A F*** | Extreme indifference (profane) |
| IDIOT | Foolish Person | Direct word (not abbreviation) |
| IIWII | If It Is What It Is | Accepting unavoidable situation |
| IMHO | In My Humble Opinion | Personal viewpoint disclaimer |
| IMO | In My Opinion | Sharing personal viewpoint |
| IRL | In Real Life | Outside of internet/gaming |
| ISTG | I Swear To God | Emphasis of truthfulness |
| JK | Just Kidding | Joking/not serious |
| LMAO | Laughing My Ass Off | Something hilarious (profane) |
| LMFAO | Laughing My F*** Ass Off | Extreme laughter (profane) |
| LOL | Laugh Out Loud | Finding something funny |
| M8 | Mate | Friend (British slang, internet) |
| MSG | Message | Text message |
| N00b | Newbie | Beginner (gaming/forums) |
| NOPE | No | Emphatic negative (internet slang) |
| NVM | Never Mind | Forget what I said |
| OMG | Oh My God | Expressing surprise/shock |
| OMW | On My Way | Currently traveling to location |
| OOH | Expression of Interest | Intrigued/interested |
| OWN | Own (verb) | Dominate/be best at something (gaming) |
| P2P | Peer to Peer | Direct connection between users |
| PHAT | Pretty Hot And Tempting | Excellent/cool (slang) |
| PMO | Put Me On | Include me (slang) |
| ROFL | Rolling On Floor Laughing | Extreme laughter |
| RQ | Real Quick | Brief/shortly |
| RT | Retweet | Share tweet on Twitter |
| SALTY | Bitter/Upset | Angry about losing (gaming) |
| SAP | Stupid/Foolish | Calling someone dumb |
| SEXT | Send A Text | Exchange messages |
| SHE | Pronoun | Female reference |
| SIS | Sister | Female friend (slang) |
| SMH | Shaking My Head | Disapproval/disbelief |
| SNOOZE | Boring | Dull/uninteresting |
| SOL | Sole/Alone | Solo (internet gaming) |
| SORRY | Apologizing | Direct word (not abbreviation) |
| SOS | Save Our Ship | Distress signal/emergency |
| SRSLY | Seriously | Emphasizing seriousness |
| STFU | Shut The F*** Up | Be quiet (profane, offensive) |
| STY | Speak To You | See you later (internet) |
| SUP | Sup/What's Up | Casual greeting |
| SYS | See You Soon | Goodbye |
| THNX | Thanks | Gratitude |
| THO | Though | Casual abbreviation |
| TIA | Thanks In Advance | Anticipating gratitude |
| TTYL | Talk To You Later | See you later (online) |
| TY | Thank You | Gratitude |
| TYVM | Thank You Very Much | Strong gratitude |
| U | You | Casual abbreviation |
| UR | Your/You're | Casual texting |
| W8 | Wait | Internet abbreviation |
| WE | Weekend | Saturday/Sunday |
| WTF | What The F*** | Shock/disbelief (profane) |
| WTH | What The Heck | Mild version of WTF |
| XOXO | Hugs and Kisses | Affection/goodbye |
| YAY | Expressing Joy | Happiness/celebration |
| YEAH | Yes/Affirmative | Direct word (not abbreviation) |
| YEP | Yes | Casual affirmative |
| YOLO | You Only Live Once | Taking risks/living freely |
| YW | You're Welcome | Responding to thanks |
| ZZZ | Sleeping/Boring | Tired/uninterested |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it OK to use chat slang in formal emails?
A: No — use formal language in work/school emails. Chat slang (LOL, OMG, BRB) is only for informal messaging with friends. Formal emails should use proper spelling and grammar.
Q: What does "YOLO" mean and is it good life advice?
A: YOLO (You Only Live Once) means taking risks and living freely. It became slang for reckless behavior. While living life is good, reckless decisions have consequences!
Q: Which is more appropriate: "lol" or "LOL"?
A: Both are acceptable in chat/texts. Lowercase "lol" is more casual; uppercase "LOL" emphasizes stronger laughter. Use whichever matches the conversation tone.
Q: Can I use chat abbreviations on professional social media (LinkedIn)?
A: No — LinkedIn is professional. Use formal language and full words. Save chat slang for personal social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter with friends).
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