For those of you that are new to technology and trying to figure it out or who are noticing that even when people are actually writing a message out on paper there seems to be a new kind of shorthand, here’s a few terms that you should familiarize yourself with.
brb = be right back
imo = in my opinion
kwim = know what I mean
fwiw = for what it’s worth
k = okay
rotfl = rolling on the floor laughing
yolo = you only live once
btw = by the way
jk = just kidding
jc = just curious
oic = oh, I see
g2g = got to go
l8r g8r = later gator
ctyl = chat to you later
ttyl = talk to you later
^5 = high five
idk = I don’t know
tbh = to be honest
pls = please
lol = laugh out loud (note: it does NOT mean lots of love so don’t tell them ” sorry ur dog died, lol”
plos = parent looking over shoulder
prw = parents are watching
These are just a few to get you started. Please be aware that there are many texting/chatting acronyms that are inappropriate and therefore I don’t want to post them here. But if your child or his/her friends are using shortcuts and they seem suspicious, a simple Google search or asking someone else will let you know quickly if the acronyms are off color. Some kids don’t feel they are actually swearing if they are only typing the letters, but it is important for us to let them know that everyone is reading it as swearing and therefore, it is not appropriate and not pleasing to the Lord.
Some you may wonder about, such as omg (Oh my God). Some kids will say they mean “Oh my Gosh” instead. It is up to you as the parent to set the standard in this area for your children and being educated in these areas is a great way to make sure that you are involved with what’s going on in your children’s lives. It is also a fun way to interact with your kids as well! So set some boundaries and then have fun!
g2g! l8r g8r! :)
About Sherri Jason
Sherri was saved at the young age of 4 and has been in active fellowship at Thorold South Gospel Chapel for almost 20 years. There she is involved in many areas of service including children’s work and music. Sherri works for Bridgecourt Inc., the company that owns mySonlight. She is also editor of the Christian Evidences Ministries website and thoroughly enjoys her online work. She also blogs at momto5.com. She and her husband Chris and their 5 children live in Welland, Ontario near Niagara Falls.
\o/ = Praise The Lord
Thanks for the info Sherri. I’m always looking these acronyms up. I’ll keep this list handy.