230+ text abbreviations to use in 2024 (+tips and examples)

Businesses don’t need to learn text abbreviations.

Or do they?

Well, actually, yes. Learning a few common text abbreviations allows businesses to save time, personally connect with customers, and appear more modern and approachable.

Text abbreviations help businesses stay current and relevant in their communications. 

Used appropriately, they also help businesses connect with diverse audiences, adapt to evolving trends, and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 

Conversely, ignoring text abbreviations may result in missed opportunities to connect with customers.

This article shares the top abbreviations you should learn to up your messaging game.

What are text abbreviations?

Text abbreviations are shortened versions of common words or phrases—the most popular one might be “LOL” (or laugh out loud). They help users save time and stick to the character limit when sending text messages. 

When used in SMS campaigns, texting abbreviations help businesses keep their messages short without losing the intended meaning. 

Learning text acronyms is important for marketers who want to keep up with today’s bite-sized communication style. Using popular abbreviations in their SMSs makes it easier for brands to engage and build thriving customer relationships. 

Text abbreviations list

We’ll explore some of the popular text abbreviations in this extensive guide. From common texting acronyms to abbreviations for texting across different contexts, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what will be included:

• Common text abbreviations
• Text abbreviations for business
• Marketing-related text abbreviations
• Social media text abbreviations
• Romantic text abbreviations
• Funny text abbreviations
• Text abbreviations for seniors

Let’s get started.

Common text abbreviations

Here are the most common abbreviations used in normal text conversations:

1. ABT – about
2. AFAIK – as far as I know
3. AFK – away from keyboard
4. AKA – also known as
5. B4 – before
6. BC – because
7. BFD – big freaking deal
8. BOGO – buy one get one
9. BRB – be right back
10. BRT – be right there
11. BTS – behind the scenes
12. BTW – by the way
13. BYOB – bring your own beer
14. DAE – does anyone else?
15. DIY – do it yourself
16. FOMO – fear of missing out
17. FAV – favorite
18. FTFY – fixed that for you
19. FTW – for the win
20. FUBAR – f***** up beyond all recognition
21. FWIW – for what it’s worth
22. FYI – for your information
23. GG – good game
24. GTG/G2G – got to go
25. H8 – hate
26. HBD – Happy birthday
27. HMU – hit me up
28. ICYMI – in case you missed it
29. IDC – I don’t care
30. IDGAF – I don’t give a f***
31. IDK – I don’t know
32. IKR – I know right
33. IMHO – in my humble opinion
34. IMO – in my opinion
35. IRL – in real life
36. ISO – in search of
37. K – OK
38. IYKWIM – if you know what I mean
39. IYKYK – if you know you know
40. JIC – just in case
41. JW – just wondering
42. LMK – let me know
43. MYOB – mind your own business
44. NBD – no big deal
45. NGL – not gonna lie
46. NVM – never mind
47. OG – original gangster
48. OMG – Oh my God (Gosh)
49. OMW – on my way
50. PDA – public display of affection
51. POV – point of view
52. RN – right now
53. SMH – shaking my head
54. SNAFU – situation normal, all f***** up
55. STFU – shut the f*** up
56. SUS – suspicious
57. TBA – to be announced
58. TBD – to be decided
59. TBF – to be frank
60. TBH – to be honest
61. TGIF – thank goodness it’s Friday
62. TL;DR – too long, didn’t read
63. TMI – too much information
64. TW – trigger warning
65. TY – thank you
66. W/E – whatever
67. W/O – without
68. WTF – what the f***
69. WTH – what the h***
70. WYD – what are you doing?
71. WYSIWYG – what you see is what you get

Text abbreviations for business

The text abbreviation list below contains the popular text acronyms you can use in your business communication:

1. ACCT – account
2. ACK – acknowledge
3. API – Application Programming Interface
4. ASAP – as soon as possible
5. ‍AOV – average order value
6. B2B – business to business
7. B2C – business to consumer
8. BD – business development
9. BOGO – buy one get one free
10. CEO – Chief Executive Officer
11. CFO – Chief Financial Officer
12. COO – Chief Operating Officer
13. CRM – customer relationship management
14. CTA – call to action
15. CX – customer experience
16. EOD – end of day
17. EOW – end of week
18. EPS – earnings per share
19. ETA – estimated time of arrival
20. FAQ – frequently asked questions
21. FF – Follow Friday
22. FYI – for your information
23. GA – Google Analytics
24. GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation
25. HQ – headquarters
26. HR – human resources
27. HTH – hope this helps
28. IPO – Initial Public Offering
29. KPI – key performance indicator
30. MoM – month over month
31. MRR – monthly recurring revenue
32. N/A – not applicable
33. NDA – non-disclosure agreement
34. NGO – non-governmental organization
35. NFS — not for sale
36. NP – no problem
37. OOO – out of office
38. OTP – one time password
39. P2P – peer to peer
40. POC – point of contact; proof of concept
41. POS – point of sale
42. PR – public relations
43. R&D – Research and Development
44. RFI – Request for Information
45. RFP – Request for Proposal
46. ROI – return on investment
47. SaaS – Software as a Service
48. SLA – service level agreement
49. SMB – small and medium-sized business
50. SME – subject matter expert
51. T&C – terms and conditions
52. TBA – to be announced
53. TBC – to be confirmed
54. TBD – to be determined
55. TIA – thanks in advance
56. TOS – terms of service
57. UI – user interface
58. UX – user experience
59. VFM – value for money
60. VPN – virtual private network
61. WFH – work from home
62. YoY – year over year

Marketing-related text abbreviations

Marketers across all levels should be familiar with the following abbreviations in texting:

1. AMA – ask me anything
2. CLV – customer lifetime value
3. CMS – content management system
4. CPC – cost per click
5. CPM – cost per mille (thousand)
6. CR – conversion rate
7. CRM – customer relationship management
8. CTA – call to action
9. CTR – click-through rate
10. ELI5 – explain like I’m 5
11. FBF – Flashback Friday
12. FF – Follow Friday
13. FOMO – fear of missing out
14. HMU – hit me up
15. IM – instant message
16. MFW – my feeling when
17. OOTD – outfit of the day
18. OP – original post
19. PPC – Pay-Per-Click
20. PSA — public service announcement
21. QOTD – quote of the day
22. RT – retweet
23. SEM – Search Engine Marketing
24. SEO – Search Engine Optimization
25. SMP – social media platform
26. PSA – public service announcement
27. TBT – Throwback Thursday
28. TCPA – Telephone Consumer Protection Act
29. TIL – today I learned
30. UGC – user-generated content
31. VIP – very important person
32. WOM – Word of Mouth

Social media text abbreviations

Social media is a hotbed for creative text slang abbreviations that help convey informal messages or express emotions with fewer characters. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. DM – direct message
2. IG – Instagram (or I guess)
3. FB – Facebook
4. LI – LinkedIn
5. SC – Snapchat
6. YT – YouTube
7. FR – for real
8. PM – private message
9. OP – original poster
10. QOTD – quote of the day
11. OOTD – outfit of the day
12. NSFW – not safe for work
13. SKL – school
14. BBL – be back later
15. C U L8R – see you later
16. GN – good night
17. TTYL – talk to you later
18. TTYS – talk to you soon
19. WDYT – what do you think?

Romantic text abbreviations

Express your affection more concisely with these charming texting abbreviations. They’re perfect for expressing love, affection, and intimacy during special occasions like Valentine’s Day or for other heartfelt moments with a loved one.

1. BAE – before anyone else; baby
2. ILY / ILU – I love you
3. ILYSM – I love you so much
4. IMU / IMY – I miss you
5. FYEO – for your eyes only
6. IOU – I owe you
7. LOML – love of my life
8. XOXO – hugs and kisses 
9. MUAH – a kiss 
10. CWYL – chat with you later
11. LDR – long-distance relationship
12. DTR – define the relationship
13. SWAK – sealed with a kiss
14. TLC – tender loving care
15. BF – boyfriend
16. GF – girlfriend 
17. MCM – man crush Monday
18. WCW – woman crush Wednesday
19. WYCM – will you call me?
20. WYWH – wish you were here

Funny text abbreviations 

Need to add some humor to your messages? These funny texting acronyms and hilarious text abbreviations are sure to make anyone laugh. From playful jabs to silly inside jokes, they’ll liven up any conversation.

1. LMAO – laughing my a** off
2. LMFAO – laughing my f*cking a** off  
3. ROFL – rolling on the floor laughing
4. TBH – to be honest
5. OMGWTF – oh my God, what the f*ck
6. YOLO – you only live once
7. BION  – believe it or not
8. FML – f*ck my life
9. WTFBBQ – what the f*ck, barbecue (a humorous way to say “WTF”)
10. JK – just kidding

Text abbreviations for seniors

While text acronyms and abbreviations are popular across generations, some are particularly well-suited for seniors. These tend to be simple, easy to remember, and often add a touch of lightheartedness. 

Here are some common text abbreviations that seniors may find useful:

1. LOL – laughing out loud
2. JK – just kidding
3. BRB – be right back
4. BTW – by the way
5. BFF – best friends forever 
6. FTT/F2T – free to talk?
7. FYI – for your information
8. IDK – I don’t know
9. ASAP – as soon as possible
10. TTYL – talk to you later
11. G2G – got to go
12. GGPBL – gotta go, pacemaker battery low
13. HAGD – have a good (great) day
14. NM – nothing much
15. TMB – text me back
16. TYT – take your time 
17. WTM – what’s the matter?

How to use text abbreviations

Check out these examples and tips on using text abbreviations in your business and marketing SMS: 

Example 1: Sharing a discount

“Visit ABC Clothing Store ASAP for a great deal! 20% off any clothing item when you show this text.”

Example 2: Announcing a sale

“PSA: Our back-to-school sale starts TODAY! 50% off all books and stationery. Shop now here 👉  kidsbookstore.com/back-to-school “

Here’s another example from Caribou Coffee Company.

Example 3: Promoting a new product

“Our long-awaited video game console is now available for pre-order. Place your order ASAP for a 20% discount. Only available to VIP members.”

Example 4: Customer service

“Thank you for contacting Omnisend. Your request has been lodged, and a customer agent will contact you before EOD.”

Example 5: Text alerts

“TGIF! Celebrate the start of the weekend at our cheese shop. Show this text at the counter for 20% off our artisanal cheeses.”

Example 6: Order updates

“Greetings, John. Your package, Order No. 12345 has been dispatched. ETA is 5.00 pm.”

Example 7: Appointment reminders

“Hi, Grace! Your dentist appointment is today at 2:15 pm. LMK if you need to reschedule.”

See how Microsoft sends appointment reminders in the image below.

Example 8: Internal communication

“Hi, Anna. We have a meeting with our B2B clients today. Prepare their acct reports and LMK when you’re done.”

Example 9: Postponing an event

“We’ve had to postpone our training event because of bad weather. A new event day is TBD, and we’ll let you know ASAP.”

Example 10: Celebrating loyal customers

“HBD! Celebrate your big day with 30% off your next order. Use the code HBD001 at checkout.”

Here’s another example of celebrating the latest VIP Platinum member.

These simple examples show how to incorporate abbreviations in your texts to save character count while maintaining professionalism. You can simplify your texting efforts further by using an SMS program with pre-built SMS templates that already feature text abbreviations. 

To spice things up, you can add a GIF in the text message to communicate your feelings visually. 

Tips to avoid mistakes

Let’s now go over tips for texting in a business environment using text abbreviations. 

1. Understand your audience

The key to successfully using text abbreviations in a business setting is to understand your audience. This will help you know which acronyms to use and how to use them effectively

B4 using texting abbreviations in your marketing messages, ask yourself:

• Do my target users use text abbreviations regularly?
• Do they know what the popular abbreviations mean?
• Do they like abbreviations in the messages they receive?
• Are my target users young or old?

2. Don’t overuse abbreviations

You don’t want to use too many abbreviations in one message as this could hinder readability. Check this example, “Sup, our fav customer. ICYMI, our summer sale is on. Shop ASAP for 10% off RN.” 

An SMS like this is confusing and can easily miss the intended message.

3. Don’t forget to personalize

Text abbreviations allow you to save on the character count. This means you have more space to personalize the text message to your recipient. 

According to Twilio SendGrid’s 2022 report, 20% of SMS recipients say that irrelevant messages are their biggest turnoff. 

To boost engagement, personalize the message even if you use abbreviations to cut the character count. You can achieve this by:

• Collecting relevant customer data during the signup process
• Segmenting your audience into different groups to help you send targeted automated text messages
• Addressing the recipient by name
• Incorporating a clear CTA in the SMS

Here’s how Moon Magic personalizes its messages.

4. Be creative, but remain professional

You can get as creative as possible with your text abbreviations without being unprofessional. For example, avoid abbreviations for swear words in your professional messages. 

5. Keep it simple

Don’t make it hard for your recipient to understand the acronyms in your text messages. Stick to the standard abbreviations in texting that you’re sure your audience understands. 

Texting abbreviations with Omnisend 

Omnisend’s omnichannel marketing platform enables the strategic use of text message abbreviations to engage customers. Here’s how:

• SMS marketing: Text abbreviations are not only ideal but also effective in SMS marketing. They save character space, sound more relatable to younger audiences, and boost engagement.
• Personalization and brevity: You can combine Omnisend’s personalization options with text message abbreviations. This allows keeping your marketing messages concise, impactful, and within character limits.  
• Automation: Using automated text messages results in timely and personalized customer engagement. Incorporate appropriate abbreviations in automated messages to convey information clearly and succinctly.
• Engagement rates: A/B test your messages to review how text abbreviations impact your customer engagement marketing. While text acronyms can increase relatability and interaction, you must tread carefully to avoid misinterpretation.   
• Best practices: Balancing professionalism with casualness in text abbreviations is key. Doing so helps you maintain engagement without compromising your brand image and voice.

Wrap up

Using text abbreviations in your business and marketing messages allows you to speak casually with your recipients. Used authentically, it also helps to position you as a modern and forward-thinking brand. 

Hopefully, our text abbreviation list has shown you the popular acronyms you can use in your messages to save time.