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

Reading Time: 9 minutes

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.

Learn more about Omnisend SMS marketing features

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:

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
Drive more sales with SMS campaigns using Omnisend’s features for free

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.

Text abbreviations in SMS announcing a sale by Caribou Coffee Company
Image via Tatango

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.

Text abbreviations in appointment reminder SMS by Microsoft
Image via Microsoft

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.

Text abbreviations in celebrating VIP platinum member SMS by SkinCare
Image via Yotpo

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.

Text abbreviations in personalized SMS by Moon Magic
Image via Omnisend

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. 

Tips to avoid mistakes

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. 

Drive more sales with SMS campaigns using Omnisend’s features for free
Richard White
Article by

Richard is a Content Marketing Manager at Omnisend. An avid writer, he's said to have been born holding a pencil. Fascinated by all things handmade, if he's not reading or writing he can often be found practicing leathercraft.