Shortcuts, shorthand - all part of the texting world.

backgrounder 100By Staff

March 23, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

2016 is all about mobile web and short ‘bite-sized’ communications. Our desktop messaging has shifted to our smartphones and tablets, and spelling and grammar have been slashed in favor of thumb-typing speed. All the while, we still need to pack meaningful information, courtesy and etiquette into our messaging.

I'll call this one - you call that one.

I’ll call this one – you call that one.

Hundreds of bizarre texting jargon expressions have spawned as a result. Primarily about shorthand and the removal of capitalization and punctuation, the new jargon is all about speed and brevity.

It saves us keystrokes to say ty (thank you) and yw (you’re welcome).

Capitalization and punctuation are optional. Yes, English teachers cringe at this new and loose language of messaging. In text messaging, lowercase is the norm for speed. For desktop email and IM, UPPERCASE is acceptable for emphasizing one or two words a time. AVOID TYPING ENTIRE SENTENCES IN UPPERCASE – IT’ CONSIDERED RUDE SHOUTING.

Some of the more used shorthand –

WBU – What About You?
IDC – I Don’t Care
W/E – Whatever
Also: wuteva – Whatever
PROPS – Proper Respect and Acknowledgement
NP = No Problem
NVM – Never Mind
IDK – I Don’t Know
TYVM – Thank You Very Much
WTF – What the F*ck?
LOL – Laughing Out Loud
BISLY – But I Still Love You
BBIAB – Be Back in a Bit

If you want to add to the list – add a comment.

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