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 <3, which represents a sideways heart; 4COL for "for crying out loud," and 2G2BT for "too good to be true."
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
- :D : laughing
- :( : sad
- :X : kiss or lips sealsed
- (~o~) or Z/ : sleepy
- (>_<) : embarrassed
- @>-->-- : rose
- %) : confused
- <3 : heart
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.