Share this Post
WYM? Navigating new text abbreviations
IYKYK—we’ve all been the recipient of a confidently sent text with a seemingly niche abbreviation that just leaves you confused. Don’t worry, you aren’t old. Text jargon evolves rapidly and multiplies constantly—so even the most chronically online still get stumped.
Taking word woes into its own hands, online tool Unscrambler used an analysis of Google search data to find the top six text abbreviations stumping NCers and compiled them into a mini lingo dictionary.
But before you verse yourself and start letting these fly, take caution. There’s a reason you maybe shouldn’t opt for “rly” over “really” when, say, texting your boss. A study shows abbreviations can come off as insincere to recipients, making them less inclined to reply—a sentiment felt across all age groups.
While this doesn’t mean you have to cut the time-saving talk entirely, just know what you’re actually saying in text lingo—and keep in mind who’s on the other screen.
10 Most Searched for Abbreviations in NC
- PMO: Put me on
- NFS: New friends
- ICL: I Can’t Lie
- OTP: One true pairing
- LWK: Low-key
- TS: Talk soon
- WYO: What you on?
- SMH: Shake my head
- ION: In other news
- STG: Swear to god
Related Articles
Share this Post