Why do we use text abrev. and what do they mean?

By: Callie Beyers  

4/22/24 

When we text sometimes we use abbreviations to speak in code. But what do these really mean? Some of the many common abbreviations that people use are BRB, WYD, BTW, LOL and IDK. Texting abbreviations, also known as text abbreviations in language, are shortened forms of words or phrases that are commonly used in text messaging and other forms of different communication. These abbreviations are often used to save time, space, or typing effort and are widely used in informal communication. 

Text abbreviations are shortened versions of a word or phrase used. The abbreviations and acronyms are used to save time, avoid typing, and ensure a social media post stays within a certain character limit. And why do people use text abbreviations? Payton Connelley, a 6th grader at EjHs said, “ I use text abbreviations all the time, it just makes things easier.” The advantages include saving time and space, especially in situations where there is limited space to write the entire words.



 They can also make the writing easier to read and understand, particularly when the abbreviation is a standard abbreviation of units of measurement or a symbol in a mathematical formula.Going back to the abbreviations BRB means be right back, LOL means like that was so funny or Laughing out loud.  IDK means like i don’t know, IDC means i dont care,  BTW means by the way, Some more are FTW which means  for the win, LMK  means let me know , NVM                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           means nevermind, TMI   to much information, ROFL means rolling on the floor, ICYMI means in case you missed it,TL DR means it was too long and that they didn’t read it, some more are AFAIK which means that it is As Far as I know,TL;D to long to, didn't read it.

 Some more facts on it is: They're often used for things like social media posts and text messages to limit the number of characters used. Many text abbreviations are also used as slang, especially by younger generations, and keeping up-to-date on the latest text shorthand can help you communicate better with your audience. Lauren Woodcock a 6th grader at EJHS said this, “ I love using abbreviations because it is just more fun anyway.”But how are these things played out to be these letters but  text abbreviations are short forms of words or phrases.



 There are many types of abbreviations. One type is acronyms. These are abbreviated words that are formed from the first letters of each word in a phrase. You can also easily say them out loud like any other words.There are many different types of abbreviations but people like to use more common ones.   

Callie Beyers is a 6th grader at EJHS who likes reading writing and spend time with her friends family and her 2 dogs Bella and Allie

Whitley Laffin is a 6th grader at EJHS who likes playing softball and spending time with her friends and family.