Word abbreviations are shortened versions of words or phrases that are created by using one or more letters from the original word or phrase.
For those “not too techy people” which include older adults who did not grow up using computers, individuals who have limited access to technology, or those who simply prefer traditional methods of communication and tasks, these abbreviated words may seemed foreign to them.
People use word abbreviations for a variety of reasons, including:
Efficiency: Abbreviations can save time and space when writing or typing, making communication more efficient. For example, instead of writing out “at the moment,” people use the abbreviation “ATM.”
Convenience: Abbreviations can be easier to remember and use than longer words or phrases. For example, instead of saying “as soon as possible,” people often use the abbreviation “ASAP.”
Informality: Abbreviations can also be used to convey informality or a sense of familiarity in communication. For example, using “lol” for “laugh out loud” is a common abbreviation used in informal communication.
Specific contexts: Abbreviations can be specific to certain fields or industries, allowing for more precise communication. For example, medical professionals use numerous abbreviations to describe diseases, medications, and procedures.
Cultural trends: Abbreviations can also be driven by cultural trends or social media, such as the use of “OMG” for “oh my god” or “ICYMI” for “in case you missed it.”
Here are the commonly used word abbreviations in online communication:
- LOL- Laugh out loud
- BRB- Be right back
- IDK- I don’t know
- BTW- By the way
- IMO- In my opinion
- IMHO- In my humble opinion
- TTYL- Talk to you later
- OMG- Oh my God
- ASAP- As soon as possible
- NP- No problem
- FYP- For your information
- JK- Just kidding
- MB- My bad
- ROFL- Rolling on the floor laughing
- TMI- Too much information
- BFF- Best friends forever
- ISTG- I swear to God
- FR- For real?
- LMAO- Laughing my ass off
- IRL: In real life
- SMH: Shaking my head
- WBU: What about you?
- HBU: How about you?
- IKR: I know, right?
- FWIW: For what it’s worth
- AFAIK: As far as I know
- NVM: Nevermind
- THX: Thanks
- YOLO: You only live once
- TBH: To be honest
- WYD: What you doin’?
- AFK: Away from keyboard
- FTW: For the win
- ASAP- As soon as possible
- ICYMI- In case you missed it
- DM: Direct message
- DM: Private message
- RT: Retweet
- CTTO: Credits to the owner
- FOMO: Fear of missing out
- P S.: Post Script
- TBT: Throwback Thursday (posting old photos or memories on Thursdays)
- TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday
- NBD: No big deal
- HBD: Happy birth day
- BAE: Before anyone else (used to refer to a significant other)
- HMU: Hit me up (contact me or message me)
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions
- GR8: Great (abbreviated spelling)
- DIY: Do it yourself
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Do you want to share or add more abbreviated words that you know? Or your friends or family used when talking to you? Share them with us in the comment section!
