Word Abbreviations
Word abbreviations can be a lifesaver, but only if you actually understand what they stand for. In this article, we have focused on the crème de la crème of word abbreviations that can be used for txting (texting) or IMing (Instant Messaging). Recent studies have revealed that most people spell out words rather than use text abbreviations—most likely because they do not fully know a lot of the abbreviations at their disposal. To help you get with the program, here are some text abbreviations that you can help save you time. Make sure you share this list with all your text buddies!
Popular Word Abbreviations for Texting
As Shakespeare wrote, “Brevity is the soul of wit,” and in the case of texting it is an absolute necessity. Below are some popular word abbreviations that will help you pack a lot into that small text window.
- 10Q – Thank you
- A3 – anytime, anywhere, anyplace
- BC – Because
- B4 – Before
- BRT – Be right there
- BIF – Before I forget
- CUL or (CUL8R) – See you later
- CWYL – Chat with you later
- DK – don’t know
- DNBL8 – Don’t be late
- GAB – Getting a beer
- GAS – Gotta second?
- GR8 – Great
- GTGB – Got to go, bye
- HAGD – Have a great day
- IDK – I don’t know
- ILY – I love you
- K – Ok
- LMK – Let me know
- LOL – Laughing out loud
- MTF – More to follow
- N1 – Nice one
- OIC – Oh I see
- sec – wait a second
- SRY – Sorry
- SOK – It’s ok
- SYL – See you later
- TA – Thanks again
- TC – Take care
- TOY – Thinking of you
- TOM or 2mrow – Tomorrow
- U8 – you ate?
- W8 – Wait
- WRU – Where are you?
Other Common Shortcuts
Here are some more popular ways to help you cut down on spelling out words while texting:
- b = be
- c = see
- 2 = to or too
- 4 = for
- 8 = -ate (i.e. gr8, w8, L8R, etc.)
- u = you
- r = are
Test
Which abbreviations from above are the most appropriate for the situations below?
- You are running late:
- You think something is funny:
- You want to let someone know that you miss them:
- You have no idea about something:
- It’s not important where or when you meet someone:
- You’re at the bar:
- You’re hungry and want to know if someone else wants to eat:
- You have arrived and your friend is late:
- You’re running a few minutes late:
- Two ways to say goodbye:
Answer Key: 1. BRT; 2. LOL; 3. TOY; 4. IDK; 5. A3; 6. GAB; 7. U8; 8. WRU; 9. BRT; 10. SYL or TC
Additional Resources
There are hundreds more of word abbreviations for texting. To add some more to this list, check out the following sites:
- Webopedia and Netlingo.com have extensive lists of text messaging abbreviations