Pixabay
Texting has become a simple, quick, and efficient way for people of all generations to communicate. For some, it is preferable to make a phone call. However, there are some texting abbreviations that have emerged over time that younger generations absolutely love. In fact, they may use it in their daily verbiage. At the same time, older generations can be confused by some of these “codes” that are used. So, what are some of them? Here are 15 texting abbreviations that kids love but confuse older generations.
1. LOL (Laughing Out Loud):
Pixabay
This is one of the most widely used, classic texting abbreviations to express amusement or joy when communicating between friends and even family. Regardless of how long it has been around, older generations often mistake it for “Lots of Love,” leading to some confusion and unintentionally humorous situations.
2. BRB (Be Right Back):
Pixabay
This is a common abbreviation used to indicate that the person will be away from the conversation for a short period. Older generations might find this confusing, especially if they interpret it as a promise to return promptly to the physical location where the conversation started. Or, they simply may not understand what the coding means at first glance.
3. OMG (Oh My God):
Pixabay
This abbreviation is used to express shock, surprise, or excitement. While it’s widely understood by younger generations, some older individuals might find it confusing, especially if it is used for extremely enthusiastic purposes. Some may also believe that there is a religious connotation associated with OMG and be even more lost when they learn there is not.
4. ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):
Pixabay
Kids often use this abbreviation to catch someone up on information they may have missed. Older generations might struggle with this one, as it’s not immediately clear what the letters stand for or how to interpret them in a text message context.
5. SMH (Shaking My Head):
Pixabay
Used to express disappointment, disbelief, or disapproval, this abbreviation can be puzzling for older generations, especially if they interpret it as a physical action rather than a digital expression. It is also used to show shock or to have a questioning moment as in to say, “Did that really happen? Did they really do that?”
6. IMO/IMHO (In My Opinion/In My Humble Opinion):
Pixabay
These abbreviations are used to preface a statement with the speaker’s perspective, often used to soften the impact of a potentially controversial opinion. The latter is used less frequently than the former but some advanced generations feel that people should just get their words out rather than dance around them.
7. GTG (Got To Go):
Pixabay
When kids need to leave a conversation, they might use this abbreviation. Older generations might not immediately recognize its meaning, potentially leading to confusion about why the conversation is ending abruptly but it is not meant to be rude. Most times, it could be that they have to rush away and need a quick goodbye.
8. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out):
Pixabay
Kids use this abbreviation to describe the anxiety of missing out on exciting or interesting events. Older generations might find this concept foreign, not understanding the impact of social media on feelings of inclusion and exclusion. More so, they may not get the idea of having “fear” when it comes to missing out on an activity over sadness.
9. FTW (For The Win):
PIxabay
Kids use this abbreviation to express enthusiasm or support for something. This may be misunderstood by older generations as a competitive statement, not realizing its positive connotation. Texting can actually have a lot of misconstrued excitement in it.
10. TBH (To Be Honest):
Pixabay
Kids often use this abbreviation to preface a candid or frank statement. Much like “IMO/IMHO,” older generations might find this unnecessary. Again, they often prefer a more straightforward approach to communication and to just say what needs to be said.
11. AF (As Fk)**:
Pixabay
Used to intensify an adjective, this abbreviation can be confusing for older generations, especially if they interpret it as a placeholder for a stronger expletive. It can often just be a sentence enhancer, for example: “I am tired AF, I need to go to sleep ASAP.”
12. IDK (I Don’t Know):
Pixabay
Used to indicate uncertainty or lack of knowledge, this abbreviation can be perplexing for older generations, especially if they expect a more complete or articulate response. However, it has long been used to simplify the whole phrase, even in commercials for a laugh.
13. TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
Pixabay
Kids use this abbreviation to summarize lengthy text or to indicate that they didn’t read a long message. Older generations might find this dismissive or lazy, not understanding the desire for brevity in online communication. Moreover, it is new and may be hard for many generations to understand.
14. NSFW (Not Safe For Work):
Pixabay
Used to warn others that the content is inappropriate for a work environment, this abbreviation can be confusing for older generations who might not be familiar with the concept of content filtering based on appropriateness. More so, it is just to let someone know not to open a text while in public or around co-workers.
15. AMA (Ask Me Anything):
Pixabay
Often used in online forums or social media, this abbreviation invites others to openly and freely ask questions. Older generations might find this abbreviation presumptuous or self-centered, not understanding the context of online Q&A sessions. Lastly, it can be found in celebrity Instagram stories so fans can get to know them better.
Bridging The Gap
Pixabay
At the end of the day, the world of texting abbreviations is constantly evolving. More so, kids are always inventing new ways to express themselves in short, efficient messages. While these abbreviations can be confusing for older generations, they are a natural part of the ever-changing landscape of digital communication. Finally, by understanding these abbreviations, it can bridge the generation gap, while facilitating smoother communication between all people in the digital age.
Mandi Nowitz has been a professional freelance writer since 2010 and proudly holds
both a BA and an MA. She enjoys concerts, iced coffee, spending time with friends,
summertime, and Christmas when she is not glued to her laptop. Mandi currently
resides in Connecticut with her fiance, and kitties, and credits her mother with
encouraging her to follow her creative dreams.