Even frequent use of the Internet can be confusing, especially for English learners.
The Internet is in constant motion and never stops changing. This also applies to internet slang. It’s a term used online to communicate more quickly and reflect current trends.
In fact, internet slang doesn’t just exist online. It often affects everyday English and appears in dictionaries such as Merriam Webster. When surfing the English-speaking Internet, understanding Internet slang, especially acronyms, can be difficult not only for English learners, but also for native speakers.
This guide to English internet slang is designed to help you navigate online communication. You will significantly improve your English online communication and reading comprehension, and will be able to follow, tweet, post and email current events.
For extra practice, look up words online to see how other people use them. Pay attention to the sound! Acronyms are often informal, but formality and even informality are evolving online. Today, a president might use an acronym he thought only teenagers would use, and an ambassador might tweet using Internet slang to appeal to a young, trendy audience. Knowing internet slang can therefore give you a more credible impression.
Top Internet Slang for English Learners
- DM: direct message
DM comes from Twitter’s direct him message feature that allows you to send and receive private messages. As an acronym, it is used to let you know that someone should message you privately, not publicly. For example, a phone number. This is now applicable to any private messaging platform such as Facebook, Instagram or even his Snapchat. Example: DM me tomorrow!
- Bae/babe/before anyone else
This internet slang term is so common that Time magazine devoted an entire article to the meaning of Bae.It can refer to someone’s boyfriend or girlfriend, or simply someone you want to date. Bae is also commonly used to describe something as cool or generally good.
Example 1: The song is so bae. Example 2: (You posted a picture of your friend’s vacation) I’m going out with my boyfriend now!
- FML: F My Life*
The term is used to describe when you have just had a negative experience and share it with the world. For example: FML. Can you believe it? Sick on New Year’s Eve, just like last year.
- FTFY: It’s Fixed for You
This phrase can have a literal meaning. H. Let’s say you just said something wrong and someone else added “FTFY” to correct your mistake. Another meaning is irony. For example, let’s say you just expressed your opinion and someone else objected.
Example: You say “4 reasons Brooklyn is better than Portland” and someone else says “4 reasons Portland is better than Brooklyn. #FTFY”
- Facepalm: Abbreviation: “Hmm, idiot!”
We use this term to describe that someone did or said something stupid. This is the equivalent of instinctively slamming your palm on your forehead when you hear someone say something stupid in real life. You can use Facepalm to make fun of someone, to show your disappointment or frustration.
For example: Someone said something so ridiculous on his FB post that you reply “Facepalm, people like that just show they have no brain.”
- Head Desk: Extreme irritation at the stupidity of others
They use it when someone says or does something completely ridiculous. Sometimes a gif will suffice.
- HIFW: how/when did you feel
“HIFW” is usually used in his GIFs, memes, or videos. Example: #HIFW a friend told me the ending of Rogue One.
- OMG: Oh My God
This acronym is used to express surprise or shock. Example: OMG.Did you see the cutie? (Or even shorter version: OMG. Did you make it cute?)
- IDK: I don’t know
This acronym doesn’t need much explanation. For example: IDK. I may come tonight, or I may not.
- laugh out loud
This acronym is used to describe great entertainment, but it can also be used ironically. Example: Someone sent me something funny, so I reply “Lol”.
- ROFL: roll on the floor laughing
This is a more extreme version of “lol”. Example: I just watched a video online and am currently in ROFL.
- ICYMI: For those who missed it
This acronym is used so that even if someone has already heard something, they can repeat it. For example: ICYMI. They didn’t like my new article.
- IMO/IMHO: my opinion/humble opinion
It’s a classic English internet acronym like “rofl”, “lol”, “idk”. Used to express your opinion.
Example: IMO, the project should be canceled.
- Lulz: I just did it as a hobby/lol
This is related to “lol” and is used to describe something you did just for fun. Example: Made for Lulu’s.
- MFW: my face
- MRW: My reaction at the time
- MIRL: Me in real life
This is best used in memes, GIFs, videos, or simple images that show the emotional person’s face that you would have shown in the situation described in the caption. “MFW/MRW/MIRL” is usually used to generate laughter. Example: He is MFW if the restaurant has no vegan options on the menu, only vegetarian options.
- NSFW: Not safe for work
This acronym is used as a warning before someone opens an image or clicks on a video. It’s inappropriate in an environment where someone might be offended. Example: His new video is Madness (NSFW).
- SMH: shake your head
See Facepalm for what this means. Example: (you posted a picture of you shaking your head in disbelief) SMH, I can’t believe they did that.
- TBT: Throwback Thursday
Wait until Thursday before posting an old photo of yourself. Example: (Posting a picture of me when I was 1) #TBT I was wearing pretty cool pants.
- life is only once
This is pretty self explanatory. You can use it as a caption when posting about things you probably shouldn’t do, like this: As a sarcastic comment to someone who enjoys life while going to the pool during work hours, or doing something pretty silly.
Example: (Post a picture of yourself on the beach with a big sandwich in your hand) “#YOLO”
- SIS: Sister
“Sis” (sister) has replaced “Bro” (buddy) on the Internet.
Example: Now, sis listen!
By learning how to use these English Internet slang words correctly, you’ll improve your online communication skills. Look them up online. Check how they are used on Twitter with a hashtag # and you’ll impress everyone around you with your mastery of the English language.
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