We all use text abbreviations from time to time. But kids take texting to entirely new territories—so much so that it’s almost like learning a new language. While some have been around in one form or another forever, like XO (hugs and kisses), ZZZ (bored), FYI (for your information), TGIF (thank God it’s Friday) and good ol’ WTF (we think you know this one), we’ll take a look at some of the more popular ones you may not know, as well as some slightly more cryptic varieties.
Top 5 most common teen texts in the U.S.
One study2,3 looked at 18+ million tweets to figure out which abbreviated text messages are most commonly used across the U.S. This is what it found:
- LOL (Laugh out loud)
- BC (Because)
- IDK (I don’t know)
- OMG (Oh my God/gosh/goodness)
- PPL (People)
With the exception of those five, there are no clear winners in terms what’s the most popular, as they vary based on location. But the rest of our top 30 list covers a good portion of common kids’ text abbreviations. Let’s take a look:
- IDC (I don’t care)
- TBH (To be honest)
- OTW (On the way)
- GF/BF (Girlfriend/boyfriend)
- ILY (I love you)
- IMO (In my opinion) *variations IMHO (humble) IMAO (arrogant)
- BTW (By the way)
- BM&Y (Between me and you)
- CRBT (Crying really big tears)
- CYO (See you online)
- DEGT (Don’t even go there)
- DIKU (Do I know you?)
- F2T (Free to talk)
- FRT (For real, though)
- FYEO (For your eyes only)
- GG (Gotta go)
- H8 (Hate)
- IUSS (If you say so)
- KK (Okay, cool)
- L8R (Later)
- NVM (Never mind)
- NWO (No way out)
- PRW (People are watching)
- RL (Real life)
- TMB (Text me back)
Hopefully, that helps a little bit as you attempt to navigate the complex world of kids texting. Want to learn more about group chat, texting and how to stay better connected to your kids?
You may also be interested in:
- Top Group Chat & Texting Apps
- Spam Text Messages
- What Age Should a Kid Get a Phone?
- Best Cell Phones & Devices for Kids
- Stay Connected with the Whole Family
- Family-Friendly Plans
Sources: