How do I use text messages abbreviations? 📱💬🤳🏾 #English-Help

Ever received a message that says “BRB” or “LOL” and had no idea what it meant?

Texting in English often includes short forms and abbreviations like “OMG,” “IDK,” or “JK.” These save time, but if you don’t know them, they can be confusing!

These text abbreviations will help you read messages, understand friends better, and feel more confident texting in English!

When you’re texting a friend or sending a quick message, you don’t always have time to type out every word. That’s why people use abbreviations: short forms of words or phrases. They’re faster, easier, and super common in everyday texting, especially when you’re on the go.

Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash

Many abbreviations copy how people talk. These make the message feel casual and friendly! For example:

• u = you

• r = are

• pls = please

• thx = thanks

• k = okay

Lots of abbreviations come from the first letters of each word in a phrase. They help you say more with less and still sound fun or expressive. These are everywhere in texting:

• LOL = laugh out loud (when something is funny) 😂

• BRB = be right back 🏃🏻

• FYI = for your information ℹ️

• IMO = in my opinion 🤔

• OMG = oh my god (for surprise or shock) 😮

• IDK = I don’t know 😵‍💫

• BTW = by the way 💁🏽‍♀️

• JK = just kidding 🫣

Some abbreviations are helpful when you’re making plans or giving updates. These are great for being quick but clear.

• ETA = estimated time of arrival 📍

• OMW = on my way 🚗

• ASAP = as soon as possible 🚨

• EOD = end of day 😮‍💨

• LMK = let me know 🙋🏽

Abbreviations aren’t just for saving time. They can also show how you feel. Here are a few fun ones:

• ILY = I love you ♥️

  used to show affection

• FTW = For The Win 🙌🏼

  when you’re excited or happy

• GG = good game 🤝

  used after playing a game, win or lose, to show good sportsmanship

• GOAT = greatest of all time 🏆

  used to describe someone who’s the best at something

• AKA = also known as 🟰

  to explain a person's other name or nickname

You can use abbreviations in casual messages to save time and sound more natural, especially when texting friends or chatting online.

Use them at the end of a sentence:

Example: I’ll be there ASAP.

Translation: I’ll be there as soon as possible.

Use them on their own as a reply:

Example:

A: "Where did you go?"

B: "BRB!"

Use them to add emotion or tone:

Example: OMG, that video was hilarious!

Use these steps to start using abbreviations with confidence: