Online communication has evolved rapidly in recent years, and with it, so has the language used by people online. Whether it's in chat rooms, forums, or social media platforms, internet slang has become a common way of communicating online. For parents who are not tech-savvy, the language used online can be confusing and even overwhelming. This guide will introduce you to some of the most common online lingo used in the UK, helping you keep up with your children's online communication.
AFK
AFK stands for "away from keyboard" and is used to indicate that someone is not currently available to chat or respond to messages. It's a way of letting others know that you may not be able to respond immediately as they may be physically away from their keyboard.
BRB
BRB stands for "be right back" and is used to indicate that someone is taking a short break and will be back soon. This is a commonly used abbreviation in online chat rooms and messaging platforms, but is not as common over text messages.
DM
DM stands for "direct message" and is used in social media platforms to refer to private messaging. If someone asks you to "DM" them, they are asking you to send them a private message.
DW
DW means ‘don’t worry’. It is simply used to tell someone not to worry about the thing they have just texted about.
FOMO
FOMO stands for "fear of missing out" and is used to express anxiety or regret about not being able to participate in an event or experience. This is a commonly used abbreviation among younger people who are worried about missing out on social events or experiences.
GTG
GTG stands for "got to go" and is used to indicate that someone is leaving a conversation or online platform. It's a polite way of ending the conversation and letting others know that you have to go.
HBU
HBU stands for ‘how about you?’. This is used in the same way that WBU is used for in conversation. For example, if you asked someone how they are, they may respond ‘I’m good thanks, HBU.
HMU
HMU stands for ‘Hit Me Up’. It is used in occasions to let someone know to reach out to you if they want to talk more.
IMO
IMO stands for "in my opinion" and is used to indicate that someone is expressing their opinion on a matter. It's often used in online discussions and debates or weighing up your thoughts when conversing with friends.
LOL
LOL stands for "laugh out loud" and is used to express amusement or laughter in online communication. It’s an abbreviation that has been around for years and is still commonly used. It is sometimes mistakenly used for ‘lots of love’, which is the incorrect understanding of the term.
SMH
SMH stands for "shaking my head" and is used to express disappointment or disapproval. It's often used in response to something that someone else has said or done.
TTYL
TTYL stands for "talk to you later" and is used to indicate that someone is signing off and will talk to you again in the future. It’s a friendly way of ending a conversation and letting others know that you will be in touch soon.
WBU
WBU stands for ‘what about you?’. This is commonly used in conversations when you are simply asking the other person their opinion or what they are up to. For example, if you asked someone how they are, they may respond ‘I’m good thanks, WBU’.
WUU2 (or WUUT)
WUU2 stands for ‘What you up to?’ and is simply used to ask the other person what they are currently doing.
WYD
WYD stands for "what you doing" and is used to ask someone what they are doing or planning to do. It’s commonly used in casual online conversations.
YOLO
YOLO stands for "you only live once" and is used to express the idea that life is short and that we should take risks and live in the moment. It’s a popular term among younger people and is increasingly used as a response when making decisions.
In conclusion, it’s important for parents to stay informed about the language their children are using online. Understanding the most common abbreviations and slang terms can help you communicate more effectively with your children and keep up with their online activities. By learning and using these online lingo terms, you can improve your online communication and stay connected with your children in the digital age.