The Ultimate Texting Acronyms List of 200+ Common Text Abbreviations and Texting Terms
Texts with acronyms, abbreviations, or slang terms can get confusing. You’re probably familiar with a few common text acronyms like “LOL” or “OMG”.
But are text abbreviations and texting acronyms appropriate for business text messaging?
In this article, I cover:
- What text abbreviations and texting acronyms are
- Why different abbreviations may or may not be useful in business contexts
- How to use text abbreviations in SMS marketing and business communication
- A full list of text abbreviations and acronyms
Read on for more.
What Are Text Abbreviations or Texting Acronyms?
Text message abbreviations, texting acronyms, or chat acronyms, are shorthand expressions. They’re shortened versions of words used in electronic messaging and online communication to save time and preserve character limits. These abbreviations are commonly used in text messages, social media posts, and instant messaging platforms.
5 Reasons Why Text Abbreviations May or May Not Be Appropriate in Your Text Conversations
Text messaging has clear advantages, especially over email and voice. In fact, texts get up to 98% open rates.
But text message abbreviations may or may not be appropriate in business text messaging.
This all depends on the context of your conversations, your audience, and the voice and tone of your brand or organization.
I’ve written already on professional texting etiquette (be sure to check that out). But the following are some additional things you should consider before using text abbreviations and acronyms in your messaging.
1. People expect clarity and professionalism in business communications
In business communication, clarity and professionalism are essential. Text abbreviations can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or confusion.
This is especially true if the recipient isn’t familiar with the acronyms you’re using. Complete words and sentences keep your messages sounding clear and professional.
2. Different audiences and age groups require different levels of formality
Consider your audience. Are you texting with colleagues or clients in a less formal setting? Then some commonly understood abbreviations may be acceptable.
However, in more formal or professional settings, it’s generally better to use full words. This helps you maintain a higher level of professionalism.
The exception here may be in communicating with younger audiences. But this depends on your brand’s voice and tone.
3. Text abbreviations may or may not be consistent with your brand image
Text abbreviations may or may not be appropriate depending on your brand voice, tone, and audience.
Are you building your brand for a younger audience? They may have different communication expectations and patterns for when they receive a text. Acronyms and abbreviates might help your messaging resonate with that kind of audience.
What if your organization strives to maintain a professional, polished, and formal image?
In this case, it's best to avoid using text abbreviations. You run the risk of sounding too casual or informal.
4. Acronyms can alter your voice and tone, leading to misinterpretation
Text abbreviations often convey a more casual or informal tone. This is not appropriate for certain business conversations.
So it's important to consider the potential impact of using abbreviations on the tone and perception of your messages.
If there is a chance that your intent or tone could be misconstrued, it's safer to use complete words and sentences.
5. Abbreviations and acronyms may be inconsistent with your industry
Some industries or professions have stricter guidelines for communication and may not tolerate the use of text abbreviations.
It's important to be aware of any specific guidelines or expectations within your industry or organization.
When in doubt, it's generally safer to opt for clear, complete words and sentences to ensure effective communication.
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How to Use Texting Abbreviations and Acronyms in Your Text Messaging
As I mentioned earlier, it’s best to approach using text abbreviations in SMS marketing campaigns with caution.
But there are some instances where acronyms and abbreviations may be appropriate, especially in more casual or informal contexts.
Below are a few casual examples of how texting abbreviations can be used in SMS campaigns. You’re also free to check out my list of 100+ text message templates for more.
1. Limited-time offer
Hurry! Our sale ends 2nite! Get 20% off all items with code SAVE20. T&Cs apply.
2. Event reminder
Don't forget 2 join us 4 our webinar tmrw @ 3 PM EST. Exciting insights await! Reply YES to confirm your attendance.
3. New product announcement
Introducing our latest gadget! Check out the XYZ phone w/ a stunning display, AI camera, and more. Preorder now!
4. Customer feedback request
Thanks for being our BFF - we really value your opinion. Pls take a moment to rate your recent purchase on our website. Help us serve you better! Thank you!
5. Contest or giveaway promotion
Win big! Enter our #SummerFun contest for a chance to win awesome prizes. Share your best summer pic & tag us. T&Cs apply.
6. Promotional message for retail
Need a last-minute Christmas gift for your S.O. or bestie? Our entire sale section is an extra 20% off today only! Shop here: www.website.com.
7. Customer appreciation message
Thx 4 being an awesome customer! As a token of our gratitude, enjoy FREE shipping on your next order. Use code SHIPFREE at checkout!
8. Appointment reminder
Hi! Just a reminder of ur appt w/ us on Thu, 2 PM. Pls reply C to confirm or call us if you need to reschedule. See you soon!
9. Auto-reply out-of-office message
Hi there. Thanks for your text. I’m currently OOO and will return on [date]. I’ll be sure to reply to your text when I’m back. If you need to get in touch sooner, please call or text my colleague [person] at [number].
List of Texting Acronyms, Texting Abbreviations, and Texting Slang
Below is a list of abbreviations for texting and common business text abbreviations or slang terms. IMHO (in my humble opinion) these 200+ words and phrases represent an exhaustive list.
- ADR: All due respect
- AFAIK: As far as I know
- AKA: Also known as
- AMA: Ask me anything
- AMAA: Ask me almost anything
- ASAP: As soon as possible
- ATM: At the moment
- Bae: Before anyone else
- B4N: Bye for now
- BBL: Be back later
- BC or B/C: Because
- BDAY: Birthday
- BFF: Best friends forever
- Bestie: a best friend or term of endearment
- BRB: Be right back
- BTW: By the way
- BYOB: Bring your own beverage/beer
- COB: Close of business
- CYA: See ya
- CYT: See you tomorrow
- DAE: Does any else
- DIKY: Do I know you?
- DIY: Do it yourself
- DM: Direct message
- EOD: End of day
- F2F: Face to face
- Finna: going to, intending to
- FML: F*** my life
- FOMO: Fear of missing out
- FTFY: Fixed that for you
- FTW: For the win
- FWIW: For what it’s worth
- FYI: For your information
- G2G: Got to go
- GR8: Great
- HBU: How about you?
- HIFW: How I feel when
- HMU: Hit me up
- HW: Homework
- HTH: Hope this helps
- ICYMI: In case you missed it
- IDC: I don’t care
- IDK: I don’t know
- IFYP: I feel your pain
- IG: Instagram
- IIRC: If I recall correctly
- IKR: I know, right
- ILY: I love you
- IMO: In my opinion
- IMHO: In my humble/honest opinion
- IRL: In real life
- ISTG: I swear to god
- IYKYK: If you know you know
- JIC: Just in case
- JK: Just kidding
- JSYK: Just so you know
- K: ok
- KMN: Kill me now
- LMK: Let me know
- LOL: Laughing out loud
- LMAO: Laughing my a** off
- MFW: My face when
- MID: Below average or low quality
- MRW: My reaction when
- MSG: Message
- NBD: No big deal
- NGL: Not gonna lie
- NP: No problem
- NSFW: Not safe for work
- NTH: Nice to have
- NVM: Nevermind
- OFC: Of course
- OG: Original gangster
- OMG: Oh my god/gosh
- OML: Oh my lord
- OMW: On my way
- OOTD: Outfit of the day
- OTOH: On the other hand
- PNL: Peace & love
- POV: Point of view
- PPL: People
- PSA: Public service announcement
- QAP: Quick as possible
- QOTD: Quote of the day
- RIP: Rest in peace
- RN: Right now
- ROFL: Rolling on the floor laughing
- RSVP: Répondez s'il vous plaît (respond please)
- RT: Retweet
- SFLR: Sorry for the late reply
- SFW: Safe for work
- SMH: Shaking my head
- SNMP: So not my problem
- SO: Significant other
- SRSLY: Seriously
- Sus: Suspicious
- TBA: To be announced
- TBC: To be continued
- TBD: To be determined or to be decided
- TBF: To be frank
- TBH: To be honest
- Tea: Gossip, drama
- TFW: That feeling when
- TGIF: Thank goodness/god it’s Friday
- THX: Thanks
- TIA: Thanks in advance
- TIL: Today I learned
- TL;DR: Too long, don’t/didn’t read
- TMI: Too much information
- TTP: To the point
- TTYL: Talk to you later
- TY: Thank you
- TYT: Take your time
- V: Very
- VIP: Very important person
- WDYM: What do you mean?
- WFH: Work from home
- WTF: What the f***
- WTH: What the h***
- W/O: Without
- WYWH: Wish you were here
- Yeet: To throw something or used as an exclamation
- YGTI: You get the idea
- YMMV: Your mileage may vary
- YOLO: You only live once
- YP: Yes please
Common business text abbreviations
- YSK: You should know
- ACCT: Account
- ACK: Acknowledge
- AFC: Away from computer
- AOV: Average order value
- API: Application program interface
- B2C: Business to consumer
- B2B: Business to business
- BCC: Blind carbon copy
- BD: Business development
- BOGO: Buy one get one
- CAC: Customer acquisition cost
- CC: Carbon copy
- CMS: Content management system
- COB: Close of business
- COGS: Cost of goods sold
- CPC: Cost per click
- CVR: Conversion rate
- CRO: Conversion rate optimization
- CSAT: Customer satisfaction score
- CTA: Call to action
- CX: Customer experience
- DSC: Dedicated shortcode
- EPS: Earnings per share
- F2F: Face to face
- FW: Forward
- FTE: Full-time employee
- FTP: File transfer protocol
- GA: Google Analytics
- EOB: End of business
- EOD: End of day
- EOM: End of month
- EOT: End of thread
- EOW: End of week
- HR: Human resources
- HQ: Headquarters
- IAM: In a meeting
- ICP: Ideal customer profile
- IPO: Initial public offering
- JV: Joint venture
- KPI: Key performance indicator
- LOI: Letter of intent
- LTV: Lifetime value
- OOO: Out of office
- M&A: Mergers & acquisitions
- MGMT: Management
- MMS: Multimedia messaging service
- MoM: Month over month
- MRR: Monthly recurring revenue
- MSG: Message
- MTD: Month to date
- NDA: Non-disclosure agreement
- NGO: Non-governmental organization
- NFS: Not for sale
- NPS: Net promoter score
- NRN: No reply necessary
- OS: Operating system
- PIN: Personal identification number
- PIP: Performance improvement plan
- P2P: Peer to peer
- PC: Personal computer
- PTO: Paid time off
- PTE: Part-time employee
- POC: Point of contact or proof of concept
- PPC: Pay per click
- QA: Quality assurance
- RE: Regarding
- RFI: Request for information
- ROI: Return on investment
- SaaS: Software As A Service
- SEM: Search engine marketing
- SERP: Search engine results page
- SLA: Service level agreement
- SMB: Small and midsized businesses
- SME: Subject matter expert
- SMS: Short messaging service
- SPAC: Special purpose acquisition company
- UX: User experience
- T&C: Terms and conditions
- UGC: User-generated content
- WFH: Work from home
- WOM: Word of mouth
- VPN: Virtual private network
- VoIP: Voice over Internet protocol
- YoY: Year over year
- YTD: Year to date
- 10DLC: 10-digit long code
Final thoughts and next steps
Ready to start texting professionally? MessageDesk is here to help businesses and organizations with smarter, simpler ways to send text messages.
Check out our paid plans - pricing starts at just $14 per month. You’re also free to meet with a messaging expert for a demo.