Want to maximize the SMS 160-character limit when sending messages to your customers but want to ensure you don’t mess it up?
This article is for you.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to capture and keep your customers engaged using text abbreviations.
From common SMS acronyms like “LOL” and “OMG” to more obscure ones like “FTW” and “IRL”.
Not just that. You’d also learn when to use abbreviations in your SMS.
Ready?
Let’s dive in!
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What are text abbreviations?
Text abbreviations are short versions of words or phrases. They are texting shortcuts commonly used in instant messaging.
There are many examples of text abbreviations like “LOL” (laugh out loud), “BRB” (be right back), “OMG” (oh my God), and “TTYL” (talk to you later).
As you can see, these abbreviations often consist of the initial letters of each word in a phrase. Or a combination of letters and numbers representing a particular phrase or sentiment.
We discuss them further as you progress in this guide.
But why are text abbreviations critical today?
What is the importance of text abbreviations in communication?
You know what they say. “Brevity is the soul of wit… [and texting]”.
This is where text abbreviations come in. They’re like the secret code language of the digital age.
But let’s be real. Text abbreviations are new SMS & texting trends across the globe.
They’re super helpful in communication, especially when you want to maximise the SMS character limit. These shortcut words are handy for texting, not just family, friends, and associates. But also your customers.
Some benefits of using abbreviations when texting your customers:
- Text abbreviations save time and space without sacrificing clarity or meaning. They also convey a sense of familiarity between you and the receiver.
- You can use common text abbreviations to establish a personal connection with customers. This will make communication feel more personalised and intimate.
- Without text abbreviations and acronyms, you’d be stuck typing out long messages. Your thumbs would cramp up faster than you can say “ROFL” (which, by the way, means “rolling on the floor laughing”).
- Text abbreviations can make you sound way more tech-savvy than you are.
Just imagine impressing your boss with a quick “BTW” (by the way) or “ICYMI” (in case you missed it) in an informal email.
It’ll convince your boss that you’re a digital genius.
Now, to the fun stuff – the actual abbreviations themselves.
Let’s look at some common abbreviations used in texting.
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What are some common text abbreviations and their meanings?
We’ve got you covered, as we’re about to decode some of the most common text message abbreviations – from basic phrases to internet memes and acronyms.
Below is a text abbreviations list for some categories.
Abbreviations for common words and phrases
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| ASAP | As Soon As Possible |
| BTW | By The Way |
| FYI | For Your Information |
| IDK | I Don’t Know |
| JK | Just Kidding |
| LOL | Laugh Out Loud |
| NP | No Problem |
| OMG | Oh My God |
| TMI | Too Much Information |
| TY | Thank You |
| WTF | What The F*** |
| BAE | Before anyone else |
| AFAIK | As far as I know |
| AKA | Also known as |
| NVM | Nevermind |
Abbreviations for emotions and expressions
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| BFF | Best Friends Forever |
| FTW | For The Win |
| HBD | Happy Birthday |
| ICYMI | In Case You Missed It |
| IMO/IMHO | In My Opinion/In My Humble Opinion |
| LMAO | Laughing My A** Off |
| LMFAO | Laughing My F***ing A** Off |
| ROFL | Rolling On the Floor Laughing |
| SMH | Shaking My Head |
| TBH | To Be Honest |
| TMI | Too Much Information |
| BRB | Be right back |
| GTG | Good to go |
| TTYL | Talk to you later |
| BTW | By the way |
| IDK | I don’t know |
| OMG | Oh my God |
| FOMO | Fear of missing out |
| YOLO | You only live once |
| NBD | No big deal |
| IRL | In real life |
| NSFW | Not safe for work |
| YMMV | Your mileage may vary |
Abbreviations for internet slangs and memes
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| AFK | Away from keyboard |
| MFW | My face when |
| OOTD | Outfit of the day |
| TBT | Throwback Thursday |
| SFW | Safe for work |
| DFTBA | Don’t forget to be awesome |
| DQMOT | Don’t quote me on this |
| BFFN | Best friends for now |
| DINK | Double income no kids |
| ASL | Age/Sex/Location |
| FFS | For f***’s sake |
| FYEO | For your eyes only |
| CFN | Ciao for now |
| HMB | Hit me back |
| FTLOG | For the love of God |
| GFTD | Gone for the day |
| GR8 | Great |
| B4 | Before |
| 1337 | Elite |
| YW | You’re welcome |
| TGIF | Thank God it’s Friday |
Abbreviations for acronyms and initialisms
| Abbreviations | Meaning |
| HMU | Hit me up |
| DIY | Do it yourself |
| FB | |
| IG | |
| IAE | In any event |
| ETA | Estimated time of arrival |
| FWIW | For what it’s worth |
| IIRC | If I remember correctly |
| TIL | Today I learned |
| TL;DR | Too long; didn’t read |
| IMAO | In my arrogant opinion |
| IOW | In order words |
| WTH | What the hell |
| WBU | What about you |
| RN | Right now |
| PSA | Public service announcement |
| OT | Off topic |
| IAC | In any case |
| OP | Original poster |
| POTG | Play of the game |
| MRW | My reaction when |
| JK | Just kidding |
| HIFW | How I feel when |
| GOAT | Greatest of all time |
| XOXO | Hugs and kisses |
| TIFU | Today I f**ked up |
Abbreviations List for shortened words
| Abbreviations | Meaning |
| KPI | Key performance indicator |
| UX | User experience |
| SEO | Search engine optimisation |
| B2B | Business to business |
| ROI | Return on investment |
| IT | Information technology |
| FAQ | Frequently asked questions |
| GIF | Graphics interchangeable format |
| CTA | Call to action |
| CPM | Cost per impression |
| CPC | Cost per click |
| B2C | Business to customer |
| SMS | Short message service |
| DM | Direct message |
| IoT | Internet of Things |
| IM | Instant message |
| IMNSHO | In my not-so-happy opinion |
| TBC | To be continued |
Well, there you have it.
Those are the list of some of the most commonly used text or SMS abbreviations and their meanings.
But then, it’s not just about knowing the words. It’s about how you use them.
What you do with those abbreviations determines your fate when texting.
This brings us to the next important step. How can you effectively apply this list of text acronyms and abbreviations in your SMS?
Let’s be real. Using too many abbreviations can be harmful. It can either make you come off as unprofessional, or it can be difficult to understand.
Complicated situation, right?
That’s why you need these best practices. You can get your message across without sacrificing clarity or professionalism.
So, let’s dive into the best practices for using text abbreviations.
How do you use text abbreviations effectively?
Below are 4 text abbreviation best practices to remember.
1. Know your audience and context
Are you texting a client or a colleague?
Before using text abbreviations in your messages, consider who your audience is. Also, is it a formal or informal message? Decide what the context of your message is.
You must determine these two things beforehand.
They’ll help you choose appropriate abbreviations. And you’ll also realise how many you should use.
2. Observe proper usage and etiquette
Before you use texting shortcuts, pay attention.
Text abbreviations are like seasoning. They can add flavour to your messages, but you don’t want to overdo it. So use them in the right context.
Using text abbreviations doesn’t mean you can throw grammar and spelling out the window.
Proper usage and etiquette are still critical in business communication. Make sure you’re using abbreviations correctly and appropriately in your message.
On a general note, when texting your customers, don’t use more than one abbreviation in your SMS.
3. Avoid misunderstandings and confusion
Customers can easily misinterpret text abbreviations, especially if they don’t seem familiar.
So, you must be clear and concise in your message.
Avoid complicated text abbreviations. And if necessary, ensure to add additional context or clarification.
4. Mix abbreviations with regular language
Don’t bombard your audience with abbreviations. It’s wise to mix them sparingly in with regular language.
Don’t be afraid to adopt regular language for the rest of your message.
And be sure to avoid using them in formal or critical messages. Or when talking to someone who’s not familiar with them.
No one wants to receive an email that looks like it’s written in hieroglyphics.
Yes, there are some things to avoid when using text abbreviations.
We’ll show you.
When not to use text abbreviations
Text abbreviations can help you save time and be more efficient, we agree. And they can even add a touch of humour to your messages.
However, there are certain situations where you should avoid using text abbreviations.
Here are 5 scenarios where you should avoid using text abbreviations:
- In academic or educational settings: Don’t use text abbreviations in academic or educational settings.
- When communicating with older generations: Using text abbreviations for the older generation can lead to confusion.
- In serious or sensitive conversations: Avoid using text abbreviations, such as security or financial SMS, in serious or sensitive conversations. Only use clear and concise language in such scenarios.
- Formal or professional messages: Avoid using text abbreviations when sending a formal message to a customer, colleague, or business partner.
- Unfamiliar audience: If you’re sending a message to a customer base who might not be familiar with text abbreviations, it’s advisable to avoid using them.
You want to enhance communication, not destroy it. Hence, you must apply caution and wisdom.
So, learn these text abbreviation tips and best practices by heart.
And remember, always use the right tool for the right job.
Do you run a business? Read this
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