Abbreviations, acronyms and slang are common place in SMS messages, even those sent out by businesses. Use this quick guide to decide when and how to use SMS abbreviations.
As advocates of SMS marketing best practices, we would be remiss if we don’t acknowledge the rise of text slang and abbreviations.
Text abbreviations are shortened versions of a word or phrase used to save time. They’re also helpful when you have to stay within a limited character count.
In the past, deciphering text-speak was for cool moms and dads who wanted to fit in with their teens.
Today, businesses of every size are starting to recognize the value of incorporating text abbreviations into their campaigns to attract, engage, and foster relationships with their customers.
Learning text abbreviations is a must for any marketer who wants to keep up with the speed and brevity of today’s bite-sized communication style.
The challenge is to adapt to text-ese (an evolving language by itself) while maintaining proper texting etiquette and providing value at the same time.
If you’re still baffled every time you read IIRC, BRB, and IDK, this cheat sheet of SMS abbreviations and internet acronyms commonly used is for you.
Let’s walk through some of the slang abbreviations for texting you’re likely to come across.
Texting abbreviations can be casual, but you’ll also need quick and easy ways to tell that special someone you’re thinking about them.
This list of SMS abbreviations and Internet acronyms is far from complete. Like culture, text-ese evolves over time. As a result, new acronyms and SMS abbreviations are introduced and used every day.
There are a few of our favorites that you can be confident most people will know. Give one a try today!
Abbreviation/Acronym |
Meaning |
AKA |
Also Known As |
ASAP |
As Soon As Possible |
CTA |
Call To Action |
DIY |
Do It Yourself |
DND |
Do Not Disturb |
EOD |
End of Day |
NP |
No Problem |
N/A |
Not Available |
W/O |
Without |
TY |
Thank You |
TMRW |
Tomorrow |
TGIF |
Thank God It’s Friday |
TBH |
To Be Honest |
UGC |
User Generated Content |
T&C |
Terms And Conditions |
RN |
Right Now |
QOTD |
Quote of the Day |
OOO |
Out Of Office |
Like text abbreviations, texting slang can be confusing if you’ve never encountered them before. Take a look at the most common slang examples below.
Texting is also common among coworkers and customers. These abbreviations will help you navigate the world of professional texting.
Now that you’re an expert in business text abbreviations, your next step is to familiarize yourself with the do’s and don’ts of using them.
Our lists are a great way to keep on top of the must-know text speak for your professional and personal life.
There are hundreds of word abbreviations out there, so any fear of using slang abbreviations for texting is warranted. The best thing to do is play it safe. Nobody’s going to be on your case if you type out the full phrase.
However, if you do want to start incorporating more abbreviation in your text messages these are two key things to avoid:
In a communication method that’s only a decade old, it’s hard to imagine text abbreviations going out of date.
But meanings change, just as they do in our everyday language. Keep an eye out for what others around you are using. Not only to gauge appropriateness, but also to keep on top of what phrases are still commonly used.
Sure, most young people can understand text abbreviations just fine. But nobody wants to read a full message written in them. Avoid:
As mentioned previously, when in doubt simply take your time to type out the full word. It’s the fail-safe way of making sure your text messaging is read in the correct context.
Just like addressing different people in day to day life, SMS requires you to adapt your speech based on who you’re talking to. Some of the popular SMS abbreviations you use on your friends might not be appropriate for your boss or a client.
Alfredo leads the marketing team at SimpleTexting. In addition to writing about SMS, he also talks about it—literally. He narrates our how-to videos.
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