Anyone who writes text messages, uses WhatsApp, Twitter or any social media (everyone?) has seen the most common abbreviations millennials and the Gen Z generation use.
These abbreviations exist in all languages. In Spanish, we have some like “q” (que/qué- that/what), “xq” (because, why), “ps” (then), among others. In English, the most common are “omg”, “lol”, “asap”, but there are some newer abbreviations that can confuse you when you see them for the first time. Here are some of them. Do you want to try to decipher what they mean in English? We will give you some cues and the answers below.
- HIFW: Commonly used with a GIF, image, or video to express how you feel.
- TL;DR: It is used as a synonym for “in summary” when we write something very long and we want to summarize it for those who don’t love reading.
- IDC: Use it when you don’t have a preference, or something is not as important to you.
- GOAT: We use it to talk about someone who is the best in their area.
- JK: When you say something as a joke, you can add this abbreviation.
- POV: When you want to express your opinion.
- TBH: You also use it to express your opinion.
- YNK: You can use this abbreviation when you’re not sure what might happen.
- AFAIK: When saying what you know about something, giving your opinion and clarifying that you don’t know everything.
- NSFW: This abbreviation is accompanied by content not suitable for viewing in public, specifically in your workplace.
- NSFL: This is the next level of NSFW. The content is so disturbing that it can even be dangerous for your mental health.
- TIA: When you want to thank someone for a favor you’re asking for, before they do it.
- OMW: It looks a lot like OMG, but you use it to let someone know you’re going to a place.
- IDK: When you don’t know something, use it.
- TTYL: Are you busy and can’t keep writing? Use this abbreviation to say goodbye.
- BRB: If you just need a moment to go to the bathroom or get a snack, then this one is better than the previous one.
- GL: Write this to someone who is about to take an exam or has a job interview soon.
- DM: When you ask someone to message you on social media.
- WA: The application to send messages.
- TW; YT; FB: Social networks.
Answers
- HIFW: How I feel when
- TL;DR: Too long, didn’t read
- IDC: I don’t care
- GOAT: Greatest of all times
- JK: Just kidding
- POV: Point of view
- TBH: to be honest
- YNK: You never know
- AFAIK: As far as I know
- NSFW: Not safe for work
- NSFL: Not safe for life
- TIA: Thanks in advance
- OMW: On my way
- IDK: I don’t know
- TTYL: Talk to you later
- BRB: Be right back
- GL: Good luck
- DM: Direct Message
- WA: WhatsApp
- TW; YT; FB: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook.
Why do people abbreviate words?
To save time and space. Who doesn’t remember the famous 140-character limit on Twitter? Or if we go further back in time, when we were still texting, we were also limited and had to send several messages, which meant more money. This is why abbreviations became our best friends. We all prefer to write more in less time, right?
Another reason words are abbreviated, especially among teenagers, is to protect their conversations from their parents’ watchful eye. In English, they’ve created some abbreviations such as “PAW” (Parents are watching), “PITR” (Parent in the room), “PAH” (Parent at home), among others.
You may not like abbreviations because you think they’re destroying the language, but it’s a reality we can’t escape and it’s a good idea to know what others are saying.