Texting Slang: 100+ Abbreviations, Meanings & Examples 2026

What Is Texting Slang?

Texting slang is informal language used in digital conversations, particularly text messages, instant messages, DMs, comments, and online chats.

It can include:

• Abbreviations
• Acronyms and initialisms
• Shortened words
• Number-based expressions
• Informal spellings
• Internet slang
• Reaction phrases
• Emojis and emoji combinations
• Platform-specific expressions

For example:

• LOL = laughing out loud
• IDK = I don’t know
• BRB = be right back
• TBH = to be honest
• WYD = what you doing?
• LMK = let me know
• RN = right now
• ATM = at the moment

Texting slang is generally casual rather than formal English.

Texting Slang vs. Texting Abbreviations

The two terms overlap, but they aren’t exactly the same.

Texting abbreviations shorten words or phrases:

IDK = I don’t know

BTW = by the way

TTYL = talk to you later

Texting slang is a broader category. It can include abbreviations as well as informal words and expressions.

For example:

“That movie was mid.”

Here, mid is slang, but it isn’t an abbreviation.

This distinction matters because modern texting language has evolved beyond simply shortening words to save time.

Why Do People Use Texting Slang?

People use text slang for several practical and social reasons.

To Communicate Quickly

Typing “IDK” takes less time than typing “I don’t know.”

This was particularly useful during the early days of mobile texting, when typing could be slower and character limits mattered more.

To Sound Casual

Texting slang can make a conversation feel relaxed and conversational.

Compare:

“I do not know what you are talking about.”

with:

“IDK what you’re talking about lol.”

The second version sounds much more informal.

To Express Emotion

Some abbreviations communicate a reaction rather than simply saving characters.

For example:

“OMG, you actually won!”

or:

“That was hilarious LOL.”

To Show Group Identity

Certain expressions become associated with particular communities, age groups, fandoms, gaming communities, or social platforms.

Using shared language can make communication feel more familiar and socially connected.

To Participate in Internet Culture

Words and abbreviations can spread rapidly through memes, comments, videos, DMs, gaming chats, and viral trends.

That’s why today’s texting vocabulary changes much faster than traditional dictionaries usually do.

A Brief History of Texting Slang

Texting slang didn’t begin with TikTok or modern smartphones.

Informal digital shorthand developed through early internet communication, including:

• Chat rooms
• Bulletin boards
• Instant messaging
• Online forums
• Email
• Multiplayer gaming

Mobile SMS messaging then made abbreviations especially useful because people wanted to communicate quickly using small phone keyboards.

Expressions such as LOL, BRB, OMG, TTYL, and IDK became familiar across internet and mobile communication.

From SMS to Social Media

As communication moved from traditional SMS to platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, and TikTok, slang became less focused on saving characters.

Today, slang can spread because it is:

• Funny
• Memorable
• Ironic
• Expressive
• Community-specific
• Easy to turn into a meme
• Associated with a viral trend

This is why modern texting language includes both classic abbreviations and newer internet expressions.

100 Common Texting Abbreviations and Meanings

If you’re searching for a 100 texting abbreviations list, the following reference covers widely encountered examples.

Note: This isn’t a universal dictionary. Some abbreviations have multiple meanings, and certain terms are strongly dependent on the platform or community where they appear.

Funny Texting Abbreviations

Some abbreviations are commonly used for humor, exaggerated reactions, or playful conversation.

Common Funny Text Shortcuts

Examples include:

• LOL — laughing out loud
• LMAO — laughing my ass off
• LMFAO — laughing my fucking ass off
• ROFL — rolling on the floor laughing
• OMG — oh my God
• SMH — shaking my head
• NGL — not gonna lie
• FRFR — for real, for real

For example:

“You actually emailed the wrong attachment to your boss? LOL.”

Here, LOL can simply signal amusement. The sender doesn’t necessarily mean they are literally laughing out loud.

Dirty Abbreviations for Texting

Some text abbreviations contain profanity, sexual references, or adult humor.

Examples include:

• WTF
• STFU
• AF
• LMFAO
• NSFW

Other explicit abbreviations exist, particularly in private conversations and adult online communities.

Why Context Matters

An abbreviation containing profanity may be acceptable between close friends but inappropriate in a workplace or school conversation.

Similarly, an abbreviation with an adult meaning shouldn’t automatically be interpreted that way when it has an innocent alternative meaning.

What Does ATM Mean in Texting?

In texting, ATM commonly means “at the moment.”

Example:

“I can’t talk ATM. I’ll call you later.”

However, ATM can also mean automated teller machine.

For example:

“I need to find an ATM.”

In that sentence, the financial meaning is obvious.

How to Tell Which Meaning Is Intended

Look at the surrounding sentence.

Texting context:

“I’m busy ATM.”

Banking context:

“There’s an ATM outside the store.”

The same three letters can therefore have completely different meanings.

What Does 1174 Mean in Texting?

1174 does not have one universally established meaning across all texting conversations.

Number codes sometimes develop within specific online communities, private friend groups, or viral trends. Their interpretation can therefore depend heavily on where you encountered them.

If someone sends:

“1174”

without any additional context, there isn’t enough information to confidently assign one universal definition.

Look at the surrounding messages, platform, and conversation topic before interpreting the number.

What Does BBB Mean in Texting?

BBB can have several meanings depending on context.

For example, it can refer to the Better Business Bureau, while in a private text or online community it may represent an entirely different phrase.

Unlike highly established abbreviations such as LOL or BRB, BBB shouldn’t automatically be assigned one meaning without context.

How to Say Something in Text Slang

You can turn ordinary sentences into casual text language by shortening words or using established abbreviations.

Example 1

Standard:

What are you doing right now?

Texting style:

WYD rn?

Example 2

Standard:

I don’t know.

Texting style:

IDK.

Example 3

Standard:

Let me know when you get home.

Texting style:

LMK when u get home.

Example 4

Standard:

Are you coming tonight?

Texting style:

U coming 2nite?

Modern texting doesn’t always require abbreviations, though. Simply writing in a relaxed, conversational style can also count as informal digital communication.

Teenage Texting Abbreviations

Teenagers may use many of the same abbreviations used by adults, but younger internet users can also adopt newer slang quickly.

Common examples include:

• FR — for real
• FRFR — for real, for real
• NGL — not gonna lie
• WYD — what you doing?
• WYA — where you at?
• RN — right now
• ONG — on God
• POV — point of view
• FYP — For You Page
• GRWM — get ready with me
• ISTG — I swear to God
• LMK — let me know

Does Every Teenager Use the Same Slang?

No.

Texting language varies according to:

• Age
• Friend group
• Location
• Interests
• Online communities
• Platform
• Generation

A teenager who spends most of their time on TikTok may use different expressions from someone who primarily uses Discord or gaming communities.

How to Text in Gen Z Slang

Gen Z texting isn’t simply about replacing every phrase with an abbreviation.

It often combines:

• Abbreviations
• Internet slang
• Memes
• Emojis
• Intentional lowercase writing
• Exaggerated spelling
• Viral expressions
• Irony

For example:

“ngl that movie was kinda mid 😭”

Here:

• ngl = not gonna lie
• kinda = kind of
• mid = ordinary or underwhelming
• 😭 adds an exaggerated emotional reaction

The overall meaning comes from the combination of these elements.

An Important Point About Gen Z Texting

There isn’t one fixed Gen Z texting dictionary that every young person follows. Slang can differ by community, platform, region, and age.

That means a phrase being popular on TikTok doesn’t necessarily mean every teenager uses it in everyday texting.

Texting Slang on TikTok

TikTok has become a major environment for the creation and spread of internet language.

Common TikTok-Related Terms

• FYP — For You Page
• POV — point of view
• GRWM — get ready with me
• FR — for real
• NGL — not gonna lie
• IB — inspired by
• DC — context-dependent, including dance credit

TikTok language can change quickly because expressions spread through videos, comments, memes, creators, and viral trends.

Texting Slang on Snapchat

Snapchat conversations tend to be short and informal, making abbreviations particularly useful.

Common examples include:

• WYD — what you doing?
• WYA — where you at?
• HMU — hit me up
• RN — right now
• BRB — be right back
• TBH — to be honest

Snapchat users may also develop private meanings within friend groups, so not every abbreviation has a universal definition.

Texting Slang on Instagram

Instagram slang appears throughout:

• Direct messages
• Comments
• Captions
• Stories
• Reels

For example:

“TBH this pic is fire.”

“POV: you finally made it to Friday.”

“DM me.”

“NGL, this outfit is 🔥.”

Instagram often shares vocabulary with TikTok, texting, gaming, and broader internet culture.

Texting Slang Examples in Sentences

Asking what someone is doing

“WYD rn?”

Asking someone’s location

“WYA?”

Making plans

“OMW. Be there in 10.”

Asking someone to respond

“LMK when you’re free.”

Expressing surprise

“OMG, you actually did it!”

Showing agreement

“FR. That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

Ending a conversation

“GTG. TTYL!”

Joking

“JK 😂”

Texting Slang Conversation Examples

Conversation 1: Friends

Alex: WYD?

Jordan: Watching a movie rn. WBU?

Alex: Nothing. Wanna hang out?

Jordan: Sure. HMU when you’re ready.

Conversation 2: Making Plans

Sam: You coming tonight?

Chris: Yeah, OMW.

Sam: Bet. LMK when you get here.

Chris: Will do.

Conversation 3: Funny Reaction

Mia: I accidentally sent my mom the meme I meant to send you.

Kay: OMG 😭

Mia: I KNOW 💀

Kay: LOL. What did she say?

Alternative Meanings of Common Text Abbreviations

One of the biggest mistakes when reading texting slang is assuming every abbreviation has exactly one meaning.

ATM

• At the moment
• Automated teller machine

BF

• Boyfriend
• Best friend, depending on context

PM

• Private message
• Afternoon when used as a time designation

DM

• Direct message
• Other specialized meanings in different contexts

GG

• Good game
• Other community-specific meanings

NFS

• Not for sale
• Other meanings depending on platform and subject

When an abbreviation seems confusing, read the entire sentence rather than interpreting the letters by themselves.

Similar Terms to Texting Slang

Several terms describe overlapping forms of digital communication.

Texting Abbreviations

Shortened forms such as LOL, IDK, and BRB.

Texting Lingo

A broader phrase describing the informal vocabulary used in texting.

Internet Slang

Informal expressions that develop and spread through online communities.

Chat Slang

Language commonly used in online conversations and messaging platforms.

Internet Language

A broad category that can include slang, abbreviations, memes, emojis, and other digital communication patterns.

Related Internet Terms

Texting slang overlaps with several other areas of online culture, including:

• Internet slang
• Gen Z slang
• Social media slang
• Meme language
• Gamer slang
• Discord slang
• TikTok slang
• Snapchat slang
• Instagram slang
• Dating-app language
• Fandom terminology
• Emoji communication
• Acronyms
• Initialisms

This overlap is one reason a word can begin as a niche expression and eventually become common across multiple platforms.

When Should You Use Texting Slang?

Texting slang is generally appropriate when the conversation is informal and the other person understands the language.

Good Situations for Texting Slang

You can commonly use it when:

• Chatting with close friends
• Messaging family members who use similar language
• Participating in casual group chats
• Commenting on social media
• Sending informal DMs
• Talking within an online community

The most important rule is to match the language to your audience.

When Should You Avoid Texting Slang?

Informal abbreviations aren’t suitable for every situation.

Consider using standard English instead in:

• Job applications
• Professional emails
• Academic assignments
• Business proposals
• Official documents
• Customer-service communication
• Formal workplace messages

For example, this:

“Hey, IDK if u got my email. LMK ASAP.”

is casual.

A professional message would normally use complete words and sentences.

Is Texting Slang Offensive?

Texting slang itself isn’t inherently offensive.

Terms such as LOL, BRB, BTW, FYI, and IDK are generally ordinary informal expressions.

However, some abbreviations contain profanity, sexual references, insults, or other potentially offensive language.

What Determines Whether a Term Is Offensive?

Consider:

1. The literal meaning
2. The intended meaning
3. The audience
4. The relationship between the speakers
5. The platform
6. The surrounding conversation
7. Cultural context

A term that friends use jokingly may be inappropriate when directed at a stranger, coworker, teacher, customer, or child.

Is Texting Slang Appropriate for Kids?

Some texting abbreviations are harmless and widely used by younger people.

Others can contain:

• Profanity
• Sexual references
• Insults
• Adult themes
• Harassment-related language

Parents and educators should therefore look at the specific term and its context, rather than assuming every abbreviation is safe or unsafe.

If a child uses an unfamiliar abbreviation, asking what it means and where they encountered it can provide more useful information than relying on the abbreviation alone.

Why Do People Use Texting Slang?

People use texting slang because it makes digital conversations faster and more expressive.

For example:

“IDK, TBH.”

can communicate:

“I don’t know, to be honest.”

A short abbreviation can also make a message feel more casual.

Compare:

“That is very funny.”

with:

“LOL 😭”

The second message communicates not only laughter but also a particular internet-casual tone.

Most Common Texting Slang

Texting Slang	Meaning
LOL	Laughing out loud
LMAO	Laughing my ass off
ROFL	Rolling on the floor laughing
OMG	Oh my God
OML	Oh my Lord
IDK	I don’t know
IDC	I don’t care
IKR	I know, right?
TBH	To be honest
NGL	Not gonna lie
BTW	By the way
BRB	Be right back
BBS	Be back soon
GTG	Got to go
G2G	Got to go
TTYL	Talk to you later
TTYS	Talk to you soon
LMK	Let me know
HMU	Hit me up
WYA	Where you at?
WBU	What about you?
HBU	How about you?
RN	Right now
ASAP	As soon as possible
FYI	For your information
IMO	In my opinion
IMHO	In my humble opinion
IRL	In real life
AFK	Away from keyboard
DM	Direct message
PM	Private message
TY	Thank you
TYSM	Thank you so much
THX	Thanks
YW	You’re welcome
NP	No problem
JK	Just kidding
NVM	Never mind
TMI	Too much information
SMH	Shaking my head
ISTG	I swear to God
FR	For real
FRFR	For real, for real
ONG	On God
IYKYK	If you know, you know
POV	Point of view
FOMO	Fear of missing out
YOLO	You only live once
BFF	Best friends forever
ILY	I love you
ILU	I love you
IMY	I miss you
XOXO	Hugs and kisses
WTF	What the fuck
STFU	Shut the fuck up
WTH	What the heck/hell
OMFG	Oh my fucking God
BFFR	Be fucking for real
W	Win / something positive
L	Loss / something negative
GOAT	Greatest of all time
CAP	Lie
NO CAP	No lie / seriously
BET	Okay / sure / deal
SUS	Suspicious
MID	Average or disappointing
SLAY	Do something extremely well
ATE	Did something exceptionally well
RIZZ	Romantic charm
DELULU	Delusional, usually jokingly
LOWKEY	Somewhat or secretly
HIGHKEY	Openly or strongly
VALID	Understandable or acceptable
REAL	Strong agreement
FACTS	Strong agreement
MOOD	Highly relatable
VIBE	Mood or atmosphere
CRINGE	Embarrassing or awkward
GOATED	Extremely good
LIT	Exciting or fun
YIKES	Reaction to something awkward or bad
OOF	Reaction to discomfort or failure
BRUH	Disbelief, annoyance, or surprise
SHEESH	Surprise or admiration
PERIOD	Strong emphasis or agreement
PERIODT	Extra emphasis

Texting Abbreviations and Acronyms

Abbreviations are among the oldest forms of texting slang.

LOL

LOL means “laughing out loud.”

It can indicate genuine laughter or simply signal that something is funny.

“That video was hilarious LOL.”

LMAO

LMAO means “laughing my ass off.”

It is more emphatic and informal than LOL.

OMG

OMG means “oh my God.”

It can express:

• Surprise
• Excitement
• Shock
• Disbelief

“OMG, you actually did it!”

IDK

IDK means “I don’t know.”

“IDK what happened.”

IDC

IDC means “I don’t care.”

Depending on context, it can sound neutral, dismissive, or rude.

TBH

TBH means “to be honest.”

“TBH, I liked the first one better.”

NGL

NGL means “not gonna lie.”

“NGL, that was impressive.”

BTW

BTW means “by the way.”

“BTW, I’ll be late.”

BRB

BRB means “be right back.”

“BRB, getting food.”

TTYL

TTYL means “talk to you later.”

“I have to go. TTYL!”

LMK

LMK means “let me know.”

“LMK when you’re available.”

HMU

HMU means “hit me up.”

“HMU when you get home.”

WYA

WYA means “where you at?”

“WYA rn?”

RN

RN means “right now.”

“I’m busy rn.”

FYI

FYI means “for your information.”

It is common in both texting and professional communication.

ASAP

ASAP means “as soon as possible.”

Unlike many newer slang expressions, ASAP is also widely used in workplace communication.

Modern Gen Z Texting Slang

Modern texting language includes many expressions that became popular through social media.

FR

FR means “for real.”

“That was wild fr.”

FRFR

FRFR intensifies FR.

“I’m serious frfr.”

No Cap

No cap means “no lie” or “I’m telling the truth.”

“No cap, that was the best concert ever.”

Cap

Cap means a lie or false statement.

“You’re capping.”

Bet

Bet can mean:

• Okay
• Sure
• Deal
• Sounds good

“Meet at 7?”

“Bet.”

Sus

Sus is short for suspicious.

“That’s kinda sus.”

Rizz

Rizz refers to romantic charm or someone’s ability to attract a romantic interest.

“He’s got serious rizz.”

Delulu

Delulu is playful slang derived from delusional.

“I’m being delulu, but I think they like me.”

Lowkey

Lowkey can mean somewhat, secretly, or without drawing attention.

“I lowkey love this song.”

Highkey

Highkey generally means openly, strongly, or obviously.

“I highkey want one.”

Mid

Mid means average, mediocre, or disappointing.

“The movie was mid.”

Ate

Ate means someone did something exceptionally well.

“She ate that performance.”

Slay

Slay means doing something extremely well or looking great.

“You slayed that outfit.”

Texting Slang for Agreement

Facts

Facts expresses strong agreement.

“That was the best episode.”

“Facts.”

Real

Real can mean:

“I completely agree.”

or:

“I relate to that.”

Same

Same means the speaker feels similarly.

“I’m exhausted.”

“Same.”

Mood

Mood means something is highly relatable.

“I want to stay in bed all weekend.”

“Mood.”

Valid

Valid means someone’s opinion, reaction, or choice is understandable or acceptable.

“Honestly, that’s valid.”

Texting Slang for Reactions

Bruh

Bruh can express:

• Disbelief
• Annoyance
• Surprise
• Amusement

“Bruh, seriously?”

OOF

OOF is a reaction to something painful, awkward, embarrassing, or unfortunate.

“You failed the test?”

“Oof.”

Yikes

Yikes communicates discomfort, concern, or embarrassment.

“He posted that publicly?”

“Yikes.”

Sheesh

Sheesh can express admiration, surprise, or disbelief.

“That car is expensive.”

“Sheesh!”

💀

The skull emoji is frequently used to mean:

“I’m dead from laughing.”

It generally isn’t a literal reference to death.

😭

The crying emoji can represent genuine sadness, but online it is also commonly used for:

• Extreme laughter
• Emotional reactions
• Dramatic exaggeration

Texting Slang for Friendship

BFF

BFF means “best friends forever.”

Bestie

Bestie is an affectionate informal term for a close friend.

Fam

Fam refers to close friends or people treated like family.

Bro

Bro is an informal way to address a friend or another person.

Twin

Twin can describe someone who feels extremely similar to you in personality, interests, or style.

It doesn’t necessarily refer to a biological sibling.

Texting Slang for Relationships

ILY

ILY means “I love you.”

IMY

IMY means “I miss you.”

XOXO

XOXO traditionally represents hugs and kisses.

Talking Stage

The talking stage describes a period when two people are getting to know each other romantically without necessarily being in an official relationship.

Situationship

A situationship is a romantic or intimate relationship that doesn’t have a clearly defined status.

Sneaky Link

A sneaky link generally refers to a secret romantic or sexual meetup or relationship.

Ghosting

Ghosting means abruptly stopping communication with someone without explanation.

Soft Launch

A soft launch is a subtle social-media reveal of a romantic relationship.

Hard Launch

A hard launch is a more direct public reveal of a romantic relationship.

Texting Slang for Leaving or Returning

BRB

“BRB, grabbing coffee.”

Be right back.

BBL

“BBL tonight.”

Be back later.

GTG

“GTG, talk later.”

Got to go.

TTYL

“TTYL!”

Talk to you later.

AFK

“AFK for a few.”

Away from keyboard / temporarily away.

Texting Slang for Honesty

TBH

“TBH, I don’t agree.”

To be honest.

NGL

“NGL, that’s pretty funny.”

Not gonna lie.

FR

“FR, I’m serious.”

For real.

ONG

“ONG, I didn’t do it.”

On God.

ISTG

“ISTG, that’s what happened.”

I swear to God.

Texting Slang for Insults and Strong Reactions

Some texting slang contains profanity.

WTF

WTF means “what the fuck?”

It’s used to express shock, confusion, or anger.

STFU

STFU means “shut the fuck up.”

It is vulgar and can be aggressive, although friends sometimes use it jokingly.

BFFR

BFFR means “be fucking for real.”

It’s generally used when someone believes another person is being ridiculous or unrealistic.

Because these expressions contain profanity, they’re best reserved for informal conversations where the audience is comfortable with that language.

Texting Slang in Different Platforms

Texting slang isn’t limited to traditional SMS messages.

Snapchat Slang

Snapchat users commonly use:

• SFS
• SB
• WYA
• HMU
• WYLL
• FR
• NGL
• TBH
• RN

TikTok Slang

TikTok has helped popularize expressions such as:

• Rizz
• Delulu
• Ate
• Slay
• POV
• IYKYK
• No cap
• Lowkey
• Highkey

Instagram Slang

Instagram conversations commonly include:

• DM
• POV
• OOTD
• GRWM
• FYP
• TBH
• NGL
• FR

Gaming Slang

Gaming communities commonly use:

• AFK
• GG
• GLHF
• NPC
• OP
• Nerf
• Buff
• Noob
• GGWP

These terms aren’t all texting slang, but they frequently appear in gaming chats.

Common Texting Slang Examples

Casual Conversation

A: “WYA?”

B: “OMW.”

A: “Bet.”

Talking About a Movie

A: “Did you watch it?”

B: “Yeah.”

A: “Was it good?”

B: “NGL, it was mid.”

Making Plans

A: “You free tonight?”

B: “IDK yet.”

A: “LMK.”

B: “Bet.”

Reacting to News

A: “He actually quit.”

B: “OMG 💀”

A: “I KNOW 😭”

Friends

A: “That outfit is fire.”

B: “FR?”

A: “FRFR.”

How to Understand Texting Slang

If you don’t recognize an abbreviation, don’t immediately assume it has one fixed meaning.

Look at the Context

The surrounding words usually provide clues.

Consider the Platform

Gaming slang may mean something different from Snapchat slang.

Consider the Relationship

Close friends may use private abbreviations that aren’t standard internet slang.

Consider the Tone

Capital letters, punctuation, emojis, and repeated letters can change the emotional tone.

For example:

“ok”

can feel different from:

“OKAYYY 😭”

even though the basic word is the same.

Why Context Matters With Texting Slang

The same abbreviation can have different meanings.

For example, AFK usually means “away from keyboard,” while PM can mean “private message,” but in another context it could have an entirely different interpretation.

Likewise, W can mean “win” in internet slang but have many other meanings outside online culture.

That’s why slang dictionaries should provide context rather than simply one-word definitions.

Common Misconceptions About Texting Slang

Texting Slang Is Only Used by Teenagers

No.

People of many ages use abbreviations and internet slang.

Usage varies by generation, platform, and community.

Every Abbreviation Is New

Not at all.

Terms such as LOL, BRB, and AFK have been around for decades.

Texting Slang Is Bad Grammar

Not necessarily.

Slang and formal language serve different purposes.

Writing:

“LOL idk”

in a group chat isn’t the same as writing that sentence in a formal essay.

Texting Slang Is the Same Everywhere

No.

Different countries, generations, platforms, and communities develop their own expressions.

All Internet Slang Comes From Gen Z

No.

Internet slang has roots in many generations and communities, including early chat users, gamers, millennials, Black American English, LGBTQ+ communities, music culture, and other online subcultures.

Is Texting Slang Appropriate for Kids?

Many common abbreviations are harmless.

Examples include:

• LOL
• IDK
• BRB
• BTW
• LMK
• TYSM
• OMG
• FYI

However, some slang contains profanity, sexual references, or insulting language.

Parents and educators should therefore evaluate individual terms and their context rather than treating all texting slang as either safe or inappropriate.

Is Texting Slang Appropriate at Work?

It depends on the workplace and the person you’re communicating with.

Some abbreviations are widely accepted professionally:

• FYI
• ASAP
• ETA
• EOD
• TBD

Others are generally too casual or potentially inappropriate for formal workplace communication:

• LOL
• LMAO
• STFU
• WTF
• BRUH
• BFFR

When in doubt, match the communication style of the workplace and the recipient.

Is Texting Slang Offensive?

Most texting slang isn’t inherently offensive.

However, some expressions contain:

• Profanity
• Sexual language
• Insults
• Slurs
• Aggressive language

Even harmless slang can sound rude if used in the wrong situation.

For example:

“IDC.”

may be interpreted as dismissive even though it isn’t a profanity.