Most common abbreviations used in text messaging are made by taking the first letter of a word or each word in a phrase. Others incorporate symbols to spell words or make small pictures. A few were used even before text messaging existed, like ASAP for “as soon as possible.” Many of the abbreviations used in text messaging are easily recognizable even by those who are not technologically savvy, and are also used in email, social networking, and instant messaging. Most people abbreviate in text messages for convenience, but some hold out and insist on correct English and grammar in texting, though the length limitations on text messages can make this difficult.
Shortened Phrases and Words
Many of the common abbreviations used in text messaging are shortened versions of expressions, such as AAMOF for “as a matter of fact” IMHO for “in my humble opinion,” or PLMK for please let me know.” Other common terms include:
BBS: Be back soon
BBT: Be back tomorrow
BIB: Boss is back
CM: Call me
CYE: Check your email
DIKU: Do I know you?
F2F: Face to face
HB: Hurry back
JFF: Just for fun
KOTC: Kiss on the cheek
LOL: Laugh out loud or Lots of love
OMG: Oh my God!
OOTO: Out of the office
PSOS: Parents standing over shoulder
PU: That stinks!
SLAP: Sounds like a plan
TMB: Text me back
TXT: Text
UGTBK: You’ve got to be kidding
Other abbreviations used in text messaging represent shortened versions of commonly used words, such as B4 (before), NE (any), or W? (why). Other abbreviations used in text messaging for frequently used words include:
AIGHT: All right
GB: Goodbye
GL: Good luck
HV: Have
K or KK: Okay
M8: Mate
ONL: Online
OVA: Over
PEEPS or PPL: People
PLS: Please
PZ: Peace
TTLY: Totally
W? Why
X: Kiss
Z: Zero
Abbreviations about People
Other abbreviations used in text messaging represent people or relationships, like BIL (brother in law), SO (significant other), or DWF (divorced white female). Many of these are also used on the Internet, particularly on dating websites, forums, and online classified ads. Some additional terms indicating people include:
B/F: Boyfriend
BFAW: Best friend at work
DD: Dear daughter
DH: Dear husband
DS: Dear son
DW: Dear wife
G/F: Girlfriend
GRL: Girl
Symbols and Emoticons
Some abbreviations used in text messaging incorporate symbols to represent words or phrases, like 411 for “need information,” 121 for “private chat” and ?4U for “question for you.” Fewer start with symbols, but some others are
Emoticons, also known as smiley faces, are series of characters that represent a facial expression or symbol. Common emoticons include:
or =) or ^_^ : smiling or happy
: laughing
: sad
:X : kiss or lips sealsed
(~o~) or Z/ : sleepy
(>_
@>–>– : rose
%) : confused
Debate about Abbreviating
People tend to use abbreviations when texting because of character limits on text messages, and because abbreviations are quicker to write than full words. This is particularly true on phones that don’t have alpha keyboards, since the user has to hit a key several times to cycle through to a letter or number. Other people hate abbreviating, and feel that it’s overly casual, rude, or disrespectful. Additionally, some feel that texting with incorrect grammar or abbreviations can damage people’s writing and communication skills, particularly those of teens.