How to Use IM slang

IM stands for "instant messaging." Instant messaging is a form of interactive communication that has exploded in popularity in the past few years. It is used by everyone from gossiping teenage girls to virtual work teams that collaborate via the Internet. IM slang are shortcuts to save keystrokes when sending a message, and it can take some getting used to.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Install an instant message program on your computer if you don't already have one installed. These are almost always provided free of charge by the hosts. Popular IM software includes Yahoo! Messenger, AOL's AIM, Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger.
2. Set up a user name. Choose your user name with care. Don't ever use your real full name. Protect your privacy by selecting something appropriate to the audience with which you plan to communicate. Friends and family? Pick a user name based on a hobby or nickname. Clients and coworkers? Pick something professional, perhaps a variation of your real name or job.
3. Add "friends" to your IM list. Friends can be real-life friends, but they can also be business contacts, relatives or just about anyone. Be safe, though. Don't add people to your friends list who you don't know well.
4. Practice using IM slang by sending IM messages to your family, friends and colleagues. You can tell who is online because their user name will be highlighted in your friends list. You can also send messages to people who are offline. The messages will be delivered when the login.
5. Remember that IM text can be saved by anyone who is in on the chat. If you don't want to be quoted, don't say it in the first place.
6. Familiarize yourself with IM slang at popular slang translator sites such as No Slang and Slang Site. There you can learn about commonly used IM slang, such as "BRB" (be right back), "LOL" (laughing out loud), "IIRC" (if I recall correctly), "IMO" (in my opinion) and other popular IM slang terms.
7. Sign up for Net Lingo's newsletter to stay on top of cutting-edge IM slang terms as they develop so you don't get left in the IM slang dust by your family, friends and colleagues.