What does “SMH” mean? OFC, ROFL, SMS, LMK & More!

A standard text that you receive on your mobile phone usually looks like a weird mixture of letters and words that seem to make no sense at all. This is because many common and frequent phrases are shortened into an abbreviation, thus saving time for the sender and sometimes confusing the receiver.

Texting abbreviations (text abbreviations), texting acronyms, or internet acronyms are the abbreviated language and slang words commonly used with mobile phone text messaging, email, and instant messaging (online chat applications such as Messenger from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter…).

What Are Text Abbreviations?

As you may already know, an abbreviation is a shortened version of something. In this case, it’s a shortened version of a piece of text. The abbreviation is made to be simpler, while still representing the original meaning of the text. There are two types of abbreviations, formal and informal. If you struggle to find the difference between the two, here is a little tip: formal abbreviations always end with a full-stop as it’s a requirement, whilst informal abbreviations do not.

Here are some examples of formal and informal abbreviations:

Formal abbreviations include:

• Lib. (library)
• Abbr. (abbreviation)
• Approx. (approximately)
• Mrs. (mistress)
• Etc. (et cetera)

Informal abbreviations include:

• H8 (hate)
• 2day (today)
• C (see)
• 2 (to/too)
• L8 (late)

What Are Internet Acronyms?

An acronym is another form of an abbreviation. However, instead of it being slightly shortened with a full-stop in the end, it’s simply created by using the first letters of a specific phrase and using the final product as a word itself. Although this may sound somewhat confusing, acronyms are used way more often than you may think. It’s a great way to shorten a phrase to make it easier for others to remember and/or pronounce.

Here are some examples of internet acronyms:

• ASAP (as soon as possible)
• DIY (do it yourself)
• G2G (got to go)
• DM (direct message)
• FYI (for your information)

Why Do We Use Text Abbreviations / Internet Acronyms?

It’s only natural that text messages don’t use formal English and have many abbreviations. To start with, the texts are supposed to be instant, and it’s a lot easier and faster to write an abbreviation than a full phrase. Earlier, there has also been a limit of how many characters one text can have, so, if you wanted to say everything just in one text, you had to shorten as many things as possible. Finally, writing long messages on a phone’s tiny keyboard simply isn’t very convenient.

Do you know what TFW means? Or ICYMI? These are just two examples of many text abbreviations you can come across. You should get familiar with them and understand what they stand for even if you won’t use them yourself because most of your friends certainly will.

Texting acronyms examples:

• SMH meaning: “Shaking my head”
• OFC meaning: “Of course”
• SMS meaning: “Short Message Service”
• LMK  meaning: “let me know”
• ROFL meaning: “Rolling on floor laughing”
• XOXO meaning: “Hugs and Kisses”
• YOLO meaning: “You Only Live Once”

Texting abbreviations/ text acronyms examples – Image 1

How to Use Text Abbreviations?

When it comes to using abbreviations while texting, it can be exciting to use as many abbreviations as you can, especially when it comes to texting someone, you’re close with or just to save some extra time. However, despite this being so common, it doesn’t mean that it’s appropriate in every situation, such as the professional world. So how exactly do you use text abbreviations in the business industry? Here are some tips!

1. Understand your audience

Before using abbreviations, think about whether they are appropriate for the person you are sending them to. For example, if you’re sending an e-mail or text to a group of people, then it may be a good idea to use a small number of abbreviations as you want to make sure that everybody understands.

2. Keep it simple and updated

Don’t use a bunch of abbreviations in your text or e-mail, it will come across as unprofessional. Make sure to also use abbreviations that are still used today and not the ones that no one uses anymore and perhaps not know about.

3. Be professional

This is probably the most important tip of all three. Like we’ve mentioned, you don’t want to come across as unprofessional. Therefore, stay away from slang and use the appropriate abbreviations that suit the situation!

Conversation Examples Using Text Abbreviations:

Here are some conversation examples using text abbreviations:

1. You’ll need to bring a notepad, a pen, etc.

2. Hey, I might be late by approx. 20 minutes

3. I’m so excited for the party 2morrow

4. Meet me at the lib.

Text Slang / SMS Language

What Is Text Slang?

Many people often confuse the difference between an abbreviation and slang, as they are considered to be the same thing and just two different ways of saying it. This, however, is not correct. The difference between an abbreviation and slang is simple.

An abbreviation as discussed above, is a shortened version of a piece of text, whilst slang is a completely different word used to replace another while still holding the same meaning and be significantly shorter than the original word. Another difference is that an abbreviation can be used in a formal manner, such as the examples mentioned above. However, slang is always informal. Therefore, if you’re writing for a professional or academic purpose, stay away from slang.

Here are some examples of commonly used slang:

• Cap (lie/fake)
• Gucci (good/cool)
• Lit (amazing/cool)
• Salty (bitter/angry)
• Canceled (dismissed)

What Is SMS Language?

SMS language, also known as textspeak and texting language, stands for ‘Short Message Service’. When we say SMS language, we are talking about the abbreviated and slang language that is very common in texting. This evolving form of language was created in 1984 by Matti Makkonen, the man considered to be the father of SMS.

All of the words you use online, that you wouldn’t normally use in the real world are part of the SMS language.

Here are some more examples of SMS language:

• SMH (shaking my head)
• OFC (of course)
• LMK (let me know)
• XOXO (kisses and hugs)
• YOLO (you only live once)

What Are Emoji and Emoticons?

Although commonly confused to mean the exact same thing, there is a significant difference between an emoji and an emoticon.

Emoji

An emoji is a small cartoon-like character, available to use during texting on most smartphones nowadays. These fun characters were created in 1999, by Japanese designer, Shigetaka Kurita. The popularity of emojis has increased massively in SMS language, more and more emojis being added to keyboards at a constant pace. They’re a perfect way to express feelings through text messages and use them to replace words, creating a fun and cute text message.

Encase you’re unfamiliar emojis look like this:

• 🌍
• 📞
• 🎉

Emoticons

An emoticon is very similar; however, its difference is very significant. Although an emoji is colourful and already done for you, an emoticon doesn’t come with any colours and often have to be made by the person texting, using characters from their keyboard. This is because emoticons have been around for a little longer than emojis, as they were created in 1982 by Dr. Scott Fahlman.

Encase you’re unfamiliar emoticons look like this:

• ♡
• : – )
• : – D

Common Text Abbreviations List

Text Acronyms List (A-C)

List of common texting abbreviations that start with numbers, A, B, and C.

• 121 = One-to-one (private chat initiation)
• 2day = Today
• 2M2H = Too Much Too Handle
• 2moro = Tomorrow
• 2nite = Tonight
• 4EAE = For Ever And Ever
• AAF = As A Friend
• AAR = At Any Rate
• AAYF = As Always, Your Friend
• ABD = Already Been Done
• ACK = Acknowledge
• ADIH = Another Day In Hell
• ADN = Any Day Now
• ADR = Address
• AEAP = As Early As Possible
• AFAIC = As Far As I am Concerned
• AFAIK = As Far As I know
• AKA = Also Known As
• AMA= Ask Me Anything
• AMBW = All My Best Wishes
• AML = All My Love
• AOTA = All Of The Above
• ASAP = As Soon As Possible
• ATB = All The Best
• ATEOTD = At The End Of The Day
• ATM = At The Moment
• AWOL = Absent Without Leave
• AYDY = Are You Done Yet?
• AYEC = At Your Earliest Convenience
• AYOR =  At Your Own Risk
• AYS =  Are You Serious?
• AYSOS = Are You Stupid Or Something?
• AYT = Are You There?
• B/C = Because
• B4 = Before
• B4N = Bye For Now
• BAU = Business As Usual
• BBIAF = Be Back In A Few
• BBIAM = Be Back In A Minute
• BBIAS = Be Back In A Sec
• BBS = Be Back Soon
• BBT= Be Back Tomorrow
• BCNU = Be Seeing You
• BCOY = Big Crush On You
• BD = Big Deal
• BF = Best Friend
• BFAW = Best Friend At Work
• BFD = Big Freaking Deal
• BFF = Best Friends Forever
• BFFN = Best Friend For Now
• BFN = Bye For Now
• BG = Big Grin
• BGWM = Be Gentle With Me
• BHL8 = Be Home Late
• BIB = Boss Is Back
• BN= Bad News
• BOL = Be On Later
• BOT = Back On Topic
• BOYF = Boyfriend
• BRB = Be Right Back
• BRH = Be Right Here
• BRO = Brother
• BRT = Be Right There
• BT = But
• BTW = By The Way
• BYOC = Bring Your Own Computer
• CMB =    Call Me Back
• CMIIW = Correct Me If I’m Wrong
• COB = Close Of Business
• CSL= Can’t Stop Laughing
• CU = See You
• CUA = See You Around
• CUL= See You Later
• CWYL = Chat With You Later
• CYA = Cover Your Ass
• CYE = Check Your E-mail
• CYO = See You Online

Texting abbreviations/ text acronyms examples – Image 2

Text Acronyms List (D-H)

List of commonly used texting abbreviations that start with D, E, F, G, and H.

• DKDC = Don’t Know, Don’t Care
• DM = Direct Message
• DTS = Don’t Think So
• DUR = Do You Remember?
• DWBH = Don’t Worry, Be Happy
• E1= Everyone
• EF4T = Effort
• EOD = End Of Discussion
• F2F or FTF = Face To Face
• FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions
• FB = Facebook
• FF = Follow Friday
• FISH = First In, Still Here
• FITB = Fill In The Blank
• FTBOMH = From The Bottom Of My Heart
• FTL = For The Loss / For The Lose
• FTW = For The Win
• FWB = Friend With Benefits
• FWIW = For What It’s Worth
• FYEO = For Your Eyes Only
• FYI = For Your Information
• G4C = Going For Coffee
• GA = Go Ahead
• GAC = Get A Clue
• GAS = Greetings And Salutations
• GB = Goodbye
• GBU = God Bless You
• GF = Girl Friend
• GFN = Gone For Now
• GLHF = Good Luck, Have Fun
• GMTA = Great Minds Think Alike
• GNITE = Good Night
• GR8 =  Great
• GRATZ = Congratulations
• GRL = Girl
• GTSY = Great (or good) To See You
• H&K = Hugs & Kisses
• H2CUS = Hope To See You Soon
• H8 = Hate
• HAG1 =  Have A Good One
• HAGN = Have A Good Night
• HAND = Have A Nice Day
• HAWT = Have A Wonderful Day (out-dated, see next in list)
• HMB = Hit Be Back
• HMU = Hit Me Up
• HOAS = Hold On A Second
• HRU = How Are You
• HT or H/T = Hat Tip or Heard Through
• HTH = Hope This Helps / Happy To Help
• HW = Homework

Texting abbreviations/ text acronyms examples – Image 3

Text Acronyms List (I-P)

List of texting abbreviations that start with I, J, K, L, M, N, O and P.

• IAC = In Any Case
• IAE = In Any Event
• IANAL = I Am Not A Lawyer
• IAO = I Am Out (of here)
• IC = I See
• ICYMI = In Case You Missed It
• IDC = I Don’t Care
• IHNI =I have no idea
• IIRC = If I Remember Correctly
• IKR = I Know Right
• ILY = I Love You
• IM =  Instant Message
• IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
• IMO = In My Opinion
• IMS = I Am Sorry
• IRL = In Real Life
• ISLY = I Still Love You
• ISO = In Search Of
• IU2U = It’s Up To You
• IYKWIM = If You Know What I Mean
• J/K = Just Kidding
• J4F/JFF = Just For Fun
• JIC= Just In Case
• JLMK = Just Let Me Know
• JMO = Just My Opinion
• JSYK = Just So You Know
• JW = Just Wondering
• K or KK = Okay
• KISS = Keep It Simple, Stupid
• KIT = Keep In Touch
• L8 = Late
• L8R = Later
• LHO = Laughing Head Off
• LMAO = Laughing My Ass Off
• LMBO = Laughing My Butt Off
• LMK = Let Me Know
• LOL = Lots Of Love
• LOL = Laughing Out Loud
• LOTI = Laughing On The Inside
• LTNS = Long Time No See
• LYLAS = Love You Like A Sister
• LYSM = Love You So Much
• MC = Merry Christmas
• MGMT = Management
• MM = Music Monday
• MSM = Mainstream Media
• MU = Miss You
• MYOB = Mind Your Own Business
• NAGI = Not A Good Idea
• NFM = Not For Me
• NFS = Not For Sale
• NM = Nothing Much
• NM = Not Much
• NOYB = None Of Your Business
• NP = No Problem
• NSFL = Not Safe For Life
• NSFW = Not Safe For Work
• NTS = Note To Self
• NVM = Never Mind
• OH = Overheard
• OIC = Oh, I See
• OMG = Oh My God
• OMW= On My Way
• ORLY = Oh, Really?
• OT = Off Topic
• OTB = Off To Bed
• OTOH = On The Other Hand
• OTP = On The Phone
• OTT = Over The Top
• PAW = Parents Are Watching
• PCM = Please Call Me
• PLS = Please
• POV = Point Of View
• PPL = People
• PTB = Please Text Back
• PTMM = Please Tell Me More

Text Acronyms List (Q-Y)

List of texting abbreviations that start with Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X and Y.

• QQ = Crying
• RAK = Random Act of Kindness
• RBTL = Read Between The Lines
• RIP = Rest In Peace
• RL = Real Life
• ROFL = Rolling On the Floor Laughing
• RT = Real Time
• RTM or RTFM = Read The Manual
• RYS = Are You Single?
• SBY = Somebody
• SFAIK= So Far As I Know
• SH= Sh** Happens
• SIMYC = Sorry I Missed Your Call
• SIS = Sister
• SITD = Still In The Dark
• SMH = Shaking My Head
• SOL = Sooner Or Later
• SRSLY = Seriously
• SRY = Sorry
• SSDD = Same Stuff, Different Day
• STBY = Sucks To Be You
• SWAK = Sealed (or Sent) With A Kiss
• SWYP = So, What’s Your Problem?
• TAFN =  That’s All For Now
• TBA = To Be Announced
• TBC = To Be Continued
• TBH = To Be Honest
• TBL = Text back later
• TCB = Take care of business
• TFH = Thread From Hell
• TFS = Thanks For Sharing
• TFTI = Thanks For The Invitation
• TGIF = Thank God It’s Friday
• THX = Thanks
• TIA= Thanks In Advance
• TIAD = Tomorrow Is Another Day
• TIME = Tears In My Eyes
• TLC = Tender Loving Care
• TLK2UL8R = Talk To You Later
• TMI = Too Much Information
• TMRW = Tomorrow
• TTYL = Talk To You Later
• TTYS = Talk To You Soon
• TYFYC = Thank You For Your Comment
• TYVM = Thank You Very Much
• U4E = You Forever
• UR = Your
• VAT = Value Added Tax
• VBG = Very Big Grin
• VSF = Very Sad Face
• WAM = Wait A Minute
• WB = Welcome Back
• WC = Who Cares
• WE = Whatever
• WEG = Wicked Evil Grin
• WITP = What Is The Point?
• WKND = Weekend
• WTF = What The F***
• WTH= What The Heck?
• WTPA = Where The Party At?
• WUF = Where Are You From?
• WYCM = Will You Call Me?
• WYWH = Wish You Were Here
• XLNT = Excellent
• XOXO = Hugs and Kisses
• YCMU = You Crack Me Up
• YGM = You’ve Got Mail
• YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary
• YOLO = You Only Live Once
• YTB = You’re The Best
• YW = You’re Welcome
• YWSYLS = You Win Some, You Lose Some

Texting Abbreviations | Pictures

Useful Texting Abbreviations in English | Image 1