Ever get a message that looks like a secret code? You’re not alone. Texting slang has been around as long as phones, but the pace of new shortcuts keeps growing. Knowing the basics helps you respond fast and avoid awkward misunderstandings.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet of the most common abbreviations you’ll see in group chats, DMs, and comment sections. LOL means "laugh out loud" – it’s a safe go‑to when something’s funny but not side‑splitting. BRB tells the other person you’ll be right back, perfect for a quick bathroom break.
IMO and IMHO both stand for opinions – "in my opinion" or "in my humble opinion". Use them when you want to soften a statement. TBH is "to be honest" and works well when you’re sharing a candid thought.
For excitement, try OMG (oh my god) or WTF (what the heck). If you’re confirming something, NP means "no problem" and YW stands for "you’re welcome".
When you’re planning or recalling something, FYI (for your information) drops useful details without sounding demanding. And if you’re proud of an achievement, SMH (shaking my head) can be a playful way to show disbelief.
Some slang evolves beyond the keyboard and into everyday speech. FOMO – "fear of missing out" – describes that nagging feeling when you see friends posting fun events you weren’t invited to. Use it when you’re scrolling Instagram and feel left out.
Ghosting isn’t an acronym, but it’s a popular term for suddenly stopping all communication. If a date disappears, you might say they "ghosted" you.
Another hot one is Flex. It originally meant to show off, often used sarcastically: "Nice flex, bro" when someone is bragging. Stan is a blend of "stalker" and "fan" – it describes an obsessive follower, but can also be a verb: "I stan that brand".
For quick approval, people type ✅ or the word "yes" shortened to y. The opposite, a quick refusal, is just n or a thumbs‑down emoji (but we’re skipping emojis here).
When you need to keep something private, DM stands for "direct message" – a private chat on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. If you want someone to see a post, you might say "send it to my DM".
Finally, the newer sus (short for suspicious) has leaked into texting after being popularized by gaming streams. Use it when something feels off: "That deal sounds sus".
That’s the core of texting slang right now. Keep these in your back pocket, and you’ll sound natural in any chat. And remember, slang changes fast – if you hear something new, just ask. Most people love explaining the latest abbreviations, and it’s a great way to stay in the loop.
Happy texting!
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