Chat Acronyms & Slang

The way teens and young kids communicate online changes fast; using slang, emojis, and coded language can be easy for parents to miss. While much of it is harmless, some terms can point to serious concerns like bullying, substance use, or unsafe online behavior.

Why this Matters

Teens are constantly connected through social media, messaging apps, and online communities. The language they use can:
  • Reflect on everyday conversations and trends.
  • Hide risky or inappropriate behavior.
  • Signal when something may be wrong.
Staying informed allows parents to respond appropriately — without overreacting or missing important signs.

Potential Warning Signs

Be aware of changes that may indicate a deeper concern:

  • Sudden use of unfamiliar or coded (“slang”) language
  • Increased secrecy with devices or online activity
  • Terms associated with drugs, self-harm, or risky behavior
  • Emojis or abbreviations used in unusual or concerning ways.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and take action. 

Need Help or Have Concerns?

If you believe your child may be in danger or involved in unsafe online activity, reach out. Contact our office (or your local law enforcement agency) or your child’s School Resource Officer.  

Examples of Online-Slang

  • ASL -Age/Sex/Location
  • BRB -Be right back
  • DTF -Down to f***
  • IDC/IDEC -I don’t [even] care
  • IDK-I don’t know
  • IRL -In real life
  • FML-F** my life
  • FR -For real
  • FT -Facetime
  • HMU -Hit me up (aka “message me”)
  • IKR -I know right
  • IMO -In my opinion
  • IYKYK -If you know, you know
  • KMS-Kill myself
  • KYS -Kill yourself
  • LMAO -Laughing my a** off
  •  LMK-Let me know
  • LOL -Laugh out loud
  • NGL -not gonna lie
  • VM -never mind
  • OC -Open crib (ex . “I have an OC” means no one is home)
  • PFP -Pie for pie
  • PRO -Porn
  • RDH -Rate date hate?
  • S2G -Swear to god
  • SMH -Shaking my head
  • SMI -Send me an instant message
  • TBH -To be honest
  • TIL -Today I learned
  • TMI -Too much information
  • WDYM -What do you mean?
  • WTF -What the f*** or Who the f***
  • WTH -What the h***?
  • WYA -Where are you?/Where ya at?
  • WYD -What are you doing?

 

 

 

Additional Resources