Text and chat abbreviations move fast. This guide covers the ones that show up most often in messages, emails, and comments, so you’re never left guessing.
The everyday classics
LOL = laugh out loud. BRB = be right back. IMO / IMHO = in my opinion / in my humble opinion. BTW = by the way. FYI = for your information. TBA / TBD = to be announced / to be determined.
Agreement and reaction
SMH = shaking my head (disbelief or disappointment). IRL = in real life. FOMO = fear of missing out. NVM = never mind. ICYMI = in case you missed it.
Work and email
EOD = end of day. COB = close of business. OOO = out of office. ETA = estimated time of arrival. TBA / TBD appear here too. ASAP = as soon as possible.
Tech-specific
URL = uniform resource locator (a web address). FAQ = frequently asked questions. API = application programming interface. Wi-Fi and VPN are covered in our technology terms guide.
When in doubt, ask
New abbreviations appear constantly and context shifts meaning. If a message is ambiguous, asking is faster than misreading it — especially in work or sensitive conversations.