How to Use Texting Lingo

Texting lingo saves time and keystrokes.

Text messages convey short snippets of information. To make the communication process quicker, cellphone users employ a short-hand language known as texting lingo. Abbreviations and letter-number combinations replace entire sentences. Words get shortened by eliminating duplicated letters. While there's no need to learn a whole new texting language, you should get familiar with using the most common text lingo phrases. If you frequent Internet chat rooms or online forums, you've probably already encountered a few popular terms used both online and while texting.

Instructions

1. Give a status update regarding your travel plans by texting OMW, or "on my way." Use BRB to let someone know you'll "be right back" or G2G when you "got to go."

2. Warn friends of parental intrusion by texting CD9 for "code 9," which means parents linger nearby. Type PAW when "parents are watching" or POS when a "parent over shoulder" invades your privacy.

3. Text LOL, or "laugh out loud" to express happy feelings. Use ROTFL if you're "rolling on the floor laughing" or very amused.

4. Speed up the texting process by shortening words such as "feel" to "fel" or "need" to "ned." Leave out repeated letters when the context of the message can still be understood with the lingo word.

5. Abbreviate words with single letters or numbers when possible. Use "8" or the word "ate" or "r" for "are." Substitute "U" for "you."

Tips & Warnings

• Add an emoticon -- or small logo-like graphic -- to a text message to add emotion or explain feelings. Popular emoticons include yellow smiley faces showing a variety of expressions, rainbows, flowers or hearts.

• Texting lingo does not follow the rules of proper grammar. Never use text lingo when writing professional documents or completing homework assignments.

• Although using text lingo makes texting faster, never text and drive. Wait to send a message after you've parked the vehicle.

References

• CNET News; Cracking the Code of Teens' IM Slang; Stefanie Olsen; November 2006
• "PCWorld"; Tips for Traveling, E-Mail and Text Lingo; Steve Bass; September 2007

Resources

• "PCWorld": TUTD: Texting Dictionary