Have you ever received a message from your child that simply says “IDK FR SMH” and wondered whether they’re upset, laughing or attempting to communicate with aliens?
Welcome to modern texting, where vowels are optional, punctuation is suspicious and an entire emotional breakdown can apparently be expressed in three capital letters.
If you grew up using MSN Messenger, sending texts on a Nokia 3310 or painstakingly pressing the number 7 four times to get the letter S, you probably thought you were pretty fluent in internet slang. You knew LOL, BRB and maybe even ROFL. You were practically bilingual.
Then along came Gen Z, followed by Gen Alpha, and suddenly you’re trying to work out whether “no cap” is a complaint about school uniform, “rizz” is something contagious and “IJBOL” is a new brand of Scandinavian furniture.
But it’s not just teenagers. Abbreviations have crept into everything from work emails and WhatsApp groups to Instagram comments, dating apps and family group chats.
So whether you’re a parent trying to understand your teenager, a Millennial feeling increasingly ancient or simply someone who’s tired of secretly Googling three-letter messages, here’s a handy guide to texting abbreviations, what they mean and, more importantly, how they’re actually used.
1. The OGs: Classic Texting Abbreviations From the MSN Messenger Era
Let’s start with the classics. These were the abbreviations we used when text messages cost money, character limits mattered and your parents shouted at you to get off the internet because they needed to use the phone.
LOL — Laughing Out Loud
Originally meant you were actually laughing. These days, it can mean anything from genuine amusement to “I’m trying not to sound rude.”
Example: “Forgot my keys again lol.”
ROFL — Rolling On the Floor Laughing
For occasions when LOL simply wasn’t dramatic enough. A classic of early internet chat.
Example: “That photo of Dad’s haircut ROFL.”
LMAO — Laughing My Arse Off
A stronger LOL, often used in reaction to something particularly ridiculous.
Example: “You wore slippers to the supermarket? LMAO.”
BRB — Be Right Back
The polite way to announce you’re temporarily leaving a conversation. Very MSN Messenger.
Example: “BRB, dinner.”
GTG — Got To Go
For when you have somewhere else to be, or simply can’t face another 40 minutes of group-chat drama.
Example: “Mum’s calling, GTG.”
TTYL — Talk To You Later
A classic conversation closer. Possibly more common amongst Millennials than the teenagers they’re parenting.
BTW — By The Way
An everyday abbreviation that has survived pretty much every technological revolution.
Example: “BTW, I borrowed your charger.”
FYI — For Your Information
Useful in work emails, although it can occasionally sound like you’re about to tell somebody off.
Example: “FYI, your washing is still in the machine.”
IDK — I Don’t Know
Possibly the official slogan of teenagers everywhere.
Parent: “What time will you be home?”
Teenager: “IDK.”
THX — Thanks
Because apparently typing six letters would be an unreasonable burden.
PLS / PLZ — Please
Often used when asking for something with varying levels of politeness.
Example: “Can you pick me up pls.”
BFF — Best Friends Forever
A friendship abbreviation with plenty of nostalgic appeal.
OMG — Oh My God
Shock, excitement, horror, disbelief or an extremely good pair of shoes.
CUL8R — See You Later
A masterpiece of early SMS efficiency. Letters and numbers combined to save precious characters.
AFK — Away From Keyboard
Originally associated with gaming and computer chat, but still used when someone steps away.
ASL / A/S/L — Age, Sex, Location
An early internet-chat question that was once incredibly common. You probably don’t want your child answering this for random strangers online. In some newer slang contexts, “asl” can also mean “as hell”, so context matters.
2. Reactions: When Three Letters Express an Entire Emotion
Now we’re entering the more interesting territory. These abbreviations don’t just save time. They communicate judgement, sarcasm, enthusiasm and passive aggression.
SMH — Shaking My Head
Expresses disappointment, disbelief or disapproval.
Example: “He put pineapple on his pasta. SMH.”
Translation: I am deeply disappointed in humanity.
IKR — I Know, Right?
Enthusiastic agreement, usually when two people are complaining about the same thing.
Example: “School lunches are so expensive.” “IKR!”
TBH — To Be Honest
Often introduces an opinion that the sender considers refreshingly honest, whether or not anyone asked for it.
Example: “TBH, I liked your old haircut.”
Ouch.
NGL — Not Gonna Lie
Similar to TBH, often used before a confession, compliment or criticism.
Example: “NGL, Mum’s pasta is actually quite good.”
High praise indeed.
FR — For Real
Used to agree strongly or emphasise sincerity.
Example: “That film was so good fr.”
FRFR — For Real, For Real
When being for real once simply isn’t enough.
Example: “I’m never doing that again frfr.”
ISTG — I Swear To God
For emphasis, disbelief or extreme irritation.
Example: “ISTG if you touch my charger again…”
IJBOL — I Just Burst Out Laughing
A more enthusiastic alternative to LOL, especially in younger online communities.
Example: “The way he fell off that chair IJBOL.”
FML — F* My Life**
Used when something unfortunate happens, usually with exaggerated self-pity.
Example: “Got all the way to work and realised it’s Sunday. FML.”
WTF — What The F*?**
A wonderfully versatile expression of shock, anger or confusion.
Example: “WTF is going on in the family WhatsApp?”
IDC — I Don’t Care
Self-explanatory. Particularly irritating when you’ve just written a lovingly detailed message asking what everyone wants for dinner.
IDGAF — I Don’t Give A F* **
The considerably less polite version of IDC.
TBF — To Be Fair
Used to offer a counterpoint or soften criticism.
Example: “TBF, the dog did eat his homework.”
IMO — In My Opinion
Used to introduce a personal view.
Example: “IMO, the green bag looks better.”
IMHO — In My Humble Opinion
Similar to IMO, although the humility is sometimes questionable.
IIRC — If I Remember Correctly
For when you’re offering information but don’t want to be held legally responsible for its accuracy.
TMI — Too Much Information
A polite or not-so-polite response to something you really didn’t need to know.
Example: “Dad, TMI.”
3. Everyday WhatsApp Abbreviations: The Actually Useful Ones
These are worth knowing regardless of your age. They’re common across generations and generally won’t make you look ridiculous if you use them.
WYD — What You Doing?
A casual conversation starter, sometimes flirtatious.
Example: “WYD tonight?”
WYA — Where You At?
Translation: Where are you?
Example: “WYA? We’re outside.”
HMU — Hit Me Up
Means contact me or get in touch.
Example: “HMU when you’re free.”
LMK — Let Me Know
Used when asking someone to confirm something.
Example: “LMK if you want to come.”
OMW — On My Way
One of the most useful abbreviations ever invented, although it doesn’t necessarily mean the person has actually left the house.
Example: “OMW!”
Translation: Could be outside. Could still be looking for shoes.
RN — Right Now
Example: “I need coffee RN.”
ATP — At This Point
Often used when somebody has reached the end of their patience.
Example: “ATP I’m just going to order a takeaway.”
CBA — Can’t Be Arsed
A very British expression of unwillingness.
Example: “CBA to go out tonight.”
NVM — Never Mind
Used when dropping a question or subject.
Example: “NVM, found my keys.”
NBD — No Big Deal
Reassurance, understatement or sometimes sarcasm.
Example: “Only missed the flight, NBD.”
ASAP — As Soon As Possible
Probably familiar to anybody who’s ever had a job, although the definition of “possible” varies wildly.
TL;DR — Too Long; Didn’t Read
Used to introduce a summary of something lengthy, or to complain that something is too long. (my wife’s texts😜)
Example: “TL;DR: The holiday was great but the hotel was terrible.”
TIA — Thanks In Advance
Common in online community groups, neighbourhood forums and practical requests.
Example: “Any recommendations for a plumber? TIA.”
4. Gen Z and Gen Alpha: When Texting Starts to Look Like a Secret Code
This is where things get confusing. Some abbreviations have been around for years but have become particularly popular on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
A quick reminder: in 2026, Gen Z includes people born roughly between 1997 and 2012, while Gen Alpha is generally defined as those born from around 2010 or 2013 onwards, depending on the source.
So not every Gen Z person is a teenager, and not every teenager uses the same slang.
IYKYK — If You Know, You Know
Used to reference an inside joke or shared experience without explaining it.
Example: “The school disco in 1998. IYKYK.”
Translation: Only a select group will understand this reference, and I’m enjoying that fact.
FOMO — Fear Of Missing Out
Anxiety about missing something enjoyable that other people are doing.
Example: “Everyone’s at the festival and I’ve got serious FOMO.”
GOAT — Greatest Of All Time
A compliment for someone considered the very best.
Example: “Grandma’s roast potatoes are GOAT.”
W / L — Win / Loss
Used to judge whether something is good or bad.
Example: “No homework this weekend? Massive W.”
Example: “Missed the train. Big L.”
OOMF — One Of My Followers / Mutuals
Used on social media to refer vaguely to someone in your online circle, often without naming them.
Example: “OOMF needs to stop posting spoilers.”
PMO — Pisses Me Off / Put Me On
This one is particularly confusing because it has two very different meanings.
“That really PMO” means something is annoying.
“PMO to some good music” means recommend something to me.
Context is everything.
WYLL — What You Look Like
Usually a request for a photo or description of someone’s appearance, sometimes in online chats with people who haven’t met.
Example: “WYLL?”
Note: It’s worth reminding younger children that they never have to send photos of themselves to strangers.
SYBAU — Shut Your B** Arse Up**
An insulting abbreviation that sometimes appears jokingly between friends or in online arguments.
It may be disguised with deliberately innocent alternative meanings, but the usual original phrase is rude. Not one to accidentally send to the school headteacher.
OTP — One True Pairing
In fandom culture, this describes a person’s favourite fictional or celebrity couple.
Example: “Those two are my OTP.”
But elsewhere, OTP might mean “one-time password” or “on the phone”. Another reason not to assume every abbreviation has only one meaning.
ISTG, FRFR, IJBOL and PMO are the sort of combinations that can make parents feel as though they’re reading an encrypted government document.
Don’t worry. The teenagers probably think your use of the thumbs-up emoji is equally baffling.
5. Instagram, TikTok and Social Media Abbreviations
Not all of these are strictly texting abbreviations. Some describe types of content, while others are used in captions and comment sections.
POV — Point Of View
Often used to introduce a video showing a particular experience or imagined situation.
Example: “POV: You’re a parent trying to understand the family group chat.”
GRWM — Get Ready With Me
A popular video format where someone films themselves getting dressed, applying make-up or preparing for an event.
OOTD — Outfit Of The Day
Used when showing off an outfit on social media.
FYP — For You Page
TikTok’s personalised video feed.
Example: “Why is my entire FYP full of people cleaning their fridges?”
ICYMI — In Case You Missed It
Used to reshare information, posts or announcements.
IRL — In Real Life
Used to distinguish what happens offline from what happens online.
Example: “We finally met IRL.”
TFW — That Feeling When
Often used to describe a relatable moment.
Example: “TFW you find a tenner in your winter coat.”
MFW — My Face When
Usually paired with a reaction photo, GIF or meme.
DM — Direct Message
A private message on a social media platform.
Example: “DM me the details.”
NSFW — Not Safe For Work
A warning that content may be sexually explicit, graphic or otherwise inappropriate to open at work or in public.
TIL — Today I Learned
Used when sharing a newly discovered fact.
Example: “TIL that octopuses have three hearts.”
YOLO — You Only Live Once
A classic of slightly reckless internet optimism.
Example: “Bought the expensive trainers. YOLO.”
6. Bonus Round: Teenager Slang That Isn’t Even an Abbreviation
As if acronyms weren’t confusing enough, there’s also an entire vocabulary of internet slang that doesn’t stand for anything. These words and phrases have evolved through gaming, music, memes and social media.
Rizz — Charm or romantic charisma. Particularly someone’s ability to flirt or attract people. “He’s got zero rizz.”
Sus — Suspicious. Popularised through gaming culture, especially Among Us. “That’s a bit sus.”
Cap / No Cap — Lie / No Lie. “That didn’t happen, that’s cap.” Or “Best pizza ever, no cap.”
Low-key — Quietly, somewhat or secretly. “I’m low-key obsessed with that show.”
Delulu — Delusional. Usually playful, often describing unrealistic hopes. “I’m being delulu thinking I’ll meet Harry Styles.”
Skibidi — An internet meme and deliberately absurd expression. It comes from the viral Skibidi Toilet videos and doesn’t have one fixed meaning.
Sigma — Often used jokingly to describe someone as cool, independent or impressive. Its original internet associations are more complicated.
6-7 / 67 — A viral meme pronounced “six seven”. Often said with a hand gesture and little consistent meaning. Yes, really.
Brain rot — A joking description of mindless online content or the feeling of having consumed too much of it. “I’ve been scrolling for three hours. Actual brain rot.”
At this stage, you might reasonably ask whether the English language is still functioning. It is. Just about.
7. The Secret Language of Tone: Why “OK” and “K” Are Not the Same Thing
Understanding the abbreviation is only half the battle. The real challenge is working out what someone actually means.
Consider these five responses:
“OK!” — Enthusiastic agreement.
“Ok” — Neutral acknowledgement.
“K” — Depending on the relationship, possibly fine, possibly the beginning of a family argument.
“Fine.” — Potentially not fine at all.
“Lol” — Could mean something is funny, awkward, ridiculous or that the sender is politely trying to end a conversation.
These interpretations aren’t universal, but they show how tone can depend on tiny details.
Even the humble thumbs-up emoji can be interpreted differently. Some people see it as a friendly acknowledgement. Others find a solitary thumbs-up rather abrupt or dismissive.
And it’s important to remember that lots of online language is deliberately ironic. Someone calling a friend “the GOAT” may be genuinely praising them, or joking because they’ve just done something incredibly stupid.
8. Why Do People Use So Many Abbreviations?
Originally, texting abbreviations were largely about convenience. Early mobile phones had tiny keyboards, and text messages had strict character limits. Every letter counted.
But as smartphones made typing easier, the abbreviations didn’t disappear. Instead, they became part of the way people express personality, humour and identity online.
Sometimes an abbreviation makes a message feel less formal. Sometimes it creates an inside joke. Sometimes it’s a way of communicating emotion without writing a paragraph.
And sometimes people just can’t be bothered to type the entire word.
There’s also a social element. Knowing what IYKYK or PMO means can signal that you belong to a particular online community. Using the wrong expression, or using the right one in the wrong context, can have the opposite effect.
Which brings us to the ultimate parenting dilemma.
9. Should Parents Start Using Teenager Slang?
Absolutely. But only if you’re prepared for the consequences.
Nothing has quite the same power to instantly ruin a fashionable expression as hearing your mum say it enthusiastically over dinner.
Imagine sending your child this message:
“Hey bestie, your dinner is bussin frfr, no cap. Please come downstairs RN. IYKYK.”
Your child may move out.
Perhaps the best strategy is to learn the language without necessarily trying to become fluent in it. Think of it like visiting another country: understanding what people are saying is useful, but adopting the local accent after two days can be a little embarrassing.
And if you don’t understand something, just ask.
You might receive a dramatic eye-roll, but you’ll probably get the answer. Eventually.
10. The Parent’s Texting Slang FAQ
What does SMH mean in a text?
SMH stands for “shaking my head”. It usually expresses disappointment, disbelief or disapproval, although it can also be used jokingly.
What does IYKYK mean?
IYKYK stands for “if you know, you know”. It refers to shared experiences, private jokes or cultural references that some people will understand without explanation.
What does NGL mean in texting?
NGL stands for “not gonna lie”. It’s used before an honest opinion, confession, compliment or criticism.
What does FR mean in teenager slang?
FR stands for “for real”. It can mean “seriously”, “genuinely” or “I agree”. FRFR adds extra emphasis.
What does PMO mean?
PMO can mean “pisses me off” or “put me on”, depending on the context. The first expresses irritation; the second asks for a recommendation or introduction.
What’s the difference between Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang?
There’s plenty of overlap, but Gen Z slang is strongly associated with social media, memes and internet culture, while Gen Alpha is often linked to gaming, YouTube and newer meme trends. Neither generation has its own exclusive vocabulary.
Are texting abbreviations bad for language?
Not necessarily. Abbreviations are another form of informal communication, and many people comfortably switch between internet slang and formal writing. Like any language, it’s about understanding the context and knowing your audience.
Final Thoughts: IDK, I Guess We’re All Learning
From the days of LOL and BRB to the modern world of IJBOL and FRFR, the internet has always been finding new ways to make language shorter, stranger and occasionally much funnier.
For parents, learning texting slang isn’t really about trying to sound young. It’s about understanding what your children are saying, recognising when they’re joking and occasionally avoiding a spectacular misunderstanding.
And remember, one day today’s teenagers will have children of their own who communicate in an even more baffling way.
They’ll be staring at their phones, utterly confused, saying exactly what we’re saying now.
“WTF does that mean?”
SMH. LOL. TTYL.
⚠️ A Final Warning From a Gen X Parent: Know the Slang, But Don’t Use It
Before you get too excited about your newfound fluency in teenager, a word of warning. I’m 50, firmly Gen X, and my 14-year-old has made it VERY clear, in no uncertain terms, that under absolutely no circumstances am I to start using any of this slang myself. Apparently, there’s nothing more cringe than a parent trying to sound Gen Z. It’s “giving try-hard”, “doing too much” and quite possibly “pick-me energy”. I have been informed that understanding the language is acceptable, but actually using it is a serious social offence. So consider this glossary strictly for translation purposes, not participation. By all means, learn what FRFR, IYKYK and IJBOL mean, but resist the urge to drop them into the family WhatsApp group unless you actively enjoy watching your children die of embarrassment. Personally, I think this is all a bit extra. But what do I know? I’m just a middle-aged mum with zero rizz, apparently. SMH. LOL.
