If you have ever stared at your child’s text message and wondered whether they were speaking English, you are not alone. Today’s kids and teens use a constantly evolving mix of abbreviations, emojis, and shorthand, which can feel like a whole new language. The good news? With a little decoding, you can stay in the loop while you snoop! (just kidding) Impress your kids and yourself with your newfound fluency.
Below is an up‑to‑date guide to some of the most common text abbreviations you may see in your child’s messages, group chats, and/or social media posts.
🚗 Everyday Text Shortcuts
Quick, simple, and used constantly:
- OTW – On the way
- BRB – Be right back
- BTW – By the way
- IDK – I do not know
- IMO / IMHO – In my opinion / In my humble opinion
- JK – Just kidding
- NVM – Never mind
- RN – Right now
❤️ Friendship & Feelings
Used to express emotions, support, and/or reactions:
- LOL – Laughing out loud
- LMAO – Laughing my head off/ Laughing my a$$ off
- ILY / ILU – I love you
- TY / TYS – Thank you / Thank you so much
- OMG – Oh my goodness/ Oh my God
- FR – For real
- IDC – I do not care
- FML - F$@k my life
- IHML - I hate my life
🧭 Location & Status Updates
Kids use these to share where they are or what they are doing:
- AFK – Away from keyboard (not available)
- IRL – In real life
- TTYL – Talk to you later
- WYD – What are you doing
- HBU – How about you
🧒 Tween & Teen Favorites
These pop up often in middle and high school conversations:
- Bet – Yes, okay, sounds good
- Cap / No Cap – Lie / Not lying
- Slay – Doing something amazingly well
- GOAT – Greatest of all time
- Lowkey / Highkey – A little bit / Very much
- Sus – Suspicious or questionable
- TFW – That feeling when
🔥 Social Media & Trendy Terms
You will see these trendy terms on TikTok, Instagram, and in group chats:
- FYP – For You Page (TikTok)
- OOTD – Outfit of the day
- ICYMI – In case you missed it
- TBH – To be honest
- POV – Point of view
- GRWM – Get ready with me
🛑 A Few Codes Worth Knowing
These can signal when kids are trying to hide something or talk privately:
- POS – Parent over shoulder
- PIR – Parent in room
- 99 – Parent has left
- KMS / KYS – Harm‑related phrases
- If you ever see these, check in with your child immediately and seek support if needed.
👨👩👧 Why This Matters
Understanding text language is more than about “speaking teen”, It is about staying in the loop and being connected. When parents know the shorthand kids use, it opens the door for better communication, safer online habits, and more meaningful conversations.
Plus, your kids will be shocked (and maybe a little impressed) when you decode their messages without missing a beat.
Do you see something missing? Please share it with me so we (you and I) can keep parents abreast.
Kimberly~
Publisher & Editor
KimberlyWright@MacaroniKID.com
678.632.2564
