How to Abbreviate Words for Chat

You can use abbreviations in your chat room messages.

Users of Internet texts, chat rooms, online games and instant messenger programs often use shorthand abbreviated words instead of typing out full words, especially for frequently used phrases. There is a standard list of commonly abbreviated words, however, to prevent misunderstanding among Internet chat users. There may also been abbreviations specific to a certain online community or game that are not a part of the common list of abbreviations.

Instructions

1. Observe the abbreviations that other chatters use frequently in your online chat room or game, and try to figure out their meanings. For instance IDK means "I don't know."

2. Make a list of words when you don't know the meaning of the abbreviation.

3. Reference an online list of abbreviations, such as the list at NetLingo, web-friend.com or Abbreviations.com. These lists can help you determine the meaning of abbreviations you do not understand. The lists can also help you determine which abbreviations are community or game specific, and which abbreviations are used Internet-wide.

4. Ask a chat friend or other chat participants for a definition of abbreviations that you can not define. Often, chat participants will clarify the meaning behind abbreviated words if you ask.

5. Type abbreviated words in your chat text in moderation. Using too many abbreviations in one chat message, or using too many abbreviations too often, can become confusing to other chatters.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid making up your own abbreviations as this can cause misunderstanding when other chatters do not understand your abbreviated message.

References

• NetLingo: The List of Chat Acronyms & Text Message Shorthand
• Web-Friend.com: Chat, E-Mail, Web, and Chat Room Slang and Acronyms
• Abbreviations.com: Chat