Here's a guide to popular internet slang and abbreviations commonly used by younger generations

Written on 01/05/2025
Aillume Official IP


Daily Social Communication:

  • IMO/IMHO = In my (humble) opinion
  • TBH = To be honest
  • ELI5 = Explain like I'm five
  • FYI = For your information
  • NVM = Never mind
  • THX = Thanks
  • IDK = I don't know
  • BRB = Be right back
  • ASAP = As soon as possible
  • LMK = Let me know
  • TTYL = Talk to you later

Expressing Emotions:

  • LOL = Laugh out loud (now more commonly used to express a light-hearted tone)
  • LMAO = Laughing my ass off
  • OMG = Oh my god
  • WTF = What the f*** (profanity - use with caution)
  • SMH = Shaking my head (expressing disbelief or disappointment)
  • ILY = I love you
  • TYSM = Thank you so much
  • NGL = Not gonna lie

Social Media Terms:

  • TL;DR = Too long; didn't read (used for summarizing long content)
  • FOMO = Fear of missing out
  • IRL = In real life
  • DM = Direct message
  • FB = Facebook
  • IG = Instagram
  • NFW = No way forward
  • IKR = I know, right?

Work-Related:

  • WFH = Work from home
  • TBA/TBD = To be announced/determined
  • ASAP = As soon as possible
  • EOD = End of day
  • OOO = Out of office

Usage Tips:

  1. Start with commonly used ones: IMO, THX, FYI, ASAP
  2. Observe how younger people use these in context
  3. Avoid using informal abbreviations in professional settings
  4. When in doubt, ask for clarification