Acronyms and Abbreviations: Decoding Your Kid’s Text Slang

These days, kids seem to have an endless supply of new slang and acronyms that leave parents scratching their heads. Acronyms are especially useful to shorten written communication and  text messaging has become the primary mode of communication for kids and teenagers. That means they use a lot of acronyms, and their unique abbreviations and expressions can feel like a foreign language. 

Let’s bridge that gap today and decode slang terms and text abbreviations kids use.

What Does ASL Mean in Text Slang?

ASL is short for “as hell” in Gen Z slang. ASL previously stood for “age, sex, location,” but that usage is rarely used nowadays.

Kids use the phrase “asl” to add extra emphasis.

“That’s cool asl. ”

What Does SMH Mean in Text Slang?

SMH stands for “shaking my head.” Kids use it to convey disbelief, disappointment, or frustration.  This term often pops up when a friend does something silly or when something doesn’t go as planned.

“I can’t believe you tripped like that in front of your crush! SMH ”

What Does KMS Mean in Text Slang?

KMS is short for “kill myself,” and while it may sound alarming, it’s often used hyperbolically among teens to express frustration or embarrassment. It’s crucial for parents to understand the context in which this is used.

“I accidentally posted the wrong pic on my story today. I wanna kms! “

If you’re ever concerned, it’s important to talk openly with your child about their feelings and the reasons behind using such expressions. It’s also important to discuss the effects that such harmful phrases can have on your child and their friends. 

What Does EMP Mean in Text Slang?

EMP stands for “eat my p*ssy.” Teens use the phrase to express disdain and annoyance for someone or something that that person said. Similar to the phrase “bite me,” it’s another way to say, “I don’t care what you think.” It’s an extreme way to throw shade.

“My gym teacher asked me to run laps today. He can EMP ”

The acronym is used to hide the true meaning of the phrase from parents, teachers, or other adults. Using the acronym means that teens are aware that words or phrases they use might not be appropriate. When the term is used, parents can make it a teaching moment about the impact of language and respectful communication.

What Does JSP Mean in Text Slang?

JSP means “just playing.” It’s another way to say, “just kidding” or “JK.”  

“JSP dawg, it was a joke!”

Common Gen Z Acronyms and Abbreviations

The list doesn’t end there! Read on to learn more slang acronyms and jump over to our full guide on Gen Z slang anytime your kid says something you can not make sense of.

---

A-I

---

AF — As F*ck. Used to add emphasis, similar to asl.

You look hot AF today!

BBG — Baby Girl. A phrase that can be used ironically by friends or as a term of endearment by a romantic partner. It can also mean “better be going.”

What’s up, BBG? 

BDE — Big Dick Energy. This phrase usually describes a thing or an action that is bold and confident.

Those pants are giving BDE! 

DL — Down Low. Used to say that something should be kept a secret, or that few people should know.

Keep this on the DL, but Mary likes Peter. 

DTF — Down To F*ck. This term means that someone wants to have sex.

She asked him if he was DTF, but he wasn’t sure how to respond.

FBOI — Stands for “F*ck boy.” It’s a derogatory term used to describe someone who is only after sex and lacks substance.

He’s just an fboi, stop messing around with him.

FML — F*ck My Life. Another way of saying “I hate my life,” usually to garner sympathy.

I slept through my alarm! FML!

FR — For Real. Used to agree with someone or to add emphasis to a statement.

I’m really good at Call of Duty, FR.

FRFR — For Real For Real. Further emphasis beyond “FR.”

I’m going to win this championship game, FRFR.

FTW — For The Win. An expression of celebration or excitement.

Go, Wildcats! FTW!

FW — F*ck With. Involve oneself with someone or something else.

I don’t FW that stuff.

FYP — For You Page. This is the explore page on TikTok that presents users with suggested videos for them. Someone’s FYP is indicative of the content they typically like to watch.

My FYP is really weird and funny right now.

GG — Good Game. Said after a video or sports game as a compliment to the player’s ability.

You played really well, bro. GG.

GOAT — Greatest Of All Time. A high level of praise for a really cool person or thing.

You are the GOAT!

ICYMI — In Case You Missed It.

My graduation is this Friday, ICYMI!

IDK — I Don’t Know.

IDK if I’m going to the party tomorrow. 

IG — I Guess, or Instagram. Used to express some level of hesitation or a lack of enthusiasm.

I’ll get going on my homework, IG. 

-or-

My IG handle is @superstarfish

IMHO — Stands for “in my humble opinion.” Used to frankly express one’s opinion. May also stand for, “in my honest opinion.”

That dress is super cute, IMHO.

IRL — In Real Life. Distinguishes between online and real-life interactions. People may use the term to talk about online friends, and how they want to meet in real life.

I hope I can meet this Instagram friend IRL soon!

ISO — In Search Of. Used as a quick way to say that one is looking for something, typically something to buy.

ISO an apartment for one for the fall!

IYKYK — If You Know, You Know. A way of referencing an inside joke or situation without telling others what it is.

I can’t believe what happened today at school! IYKYK. 

---

K-O

---

KDA — Kills/Deaths/Assists. These are video game stats that indicate skill level. Gamers use these to tell how many other players they killed, how many times they died themselves, and how many times they assisted a teammate in eliminating an opposing player.

My KDA was really good this last round.

KYS — Kill Yourself. Similar to KMS. A phrase that can be said in jest (and in poor taste) or sincerely and with the intent to bully or hurt.

She’s been getting a lot of KYS messages. I’m really worried about her.

L — Loss. In a sentence, it’s typically a way of saying that someone lost a game or match. It can also indicate a failed social interaction.

We took the L.

LMAO — Laughing My A*s Off. Indicates that something is hilarious. LMAO, laughing out loud, and LOL can be used interchangeably.

That meme is hilarious LMAO!

LMS — Let Me See. Typically asking to see a photo or video of something.

I heard your package came today! LMS what your dress looks like!

LOL — Laughing Out Loud or Laugh Out Loud.

I love this video, it made me LOL.

NGL — Not Gonna Lie. Used when admitting to something, or to give a controversial opinion.

I know no one else liked it, but I thought that movie was pretty good, NGL.

NSFW — Not Safe For Work. A label that is used to alert to explicit content that isn’t appropriate in professional settings.

This SubReddit is labeled NSFW so there must be some nudity on there.

OMG — Oh My Gosh/God. Expressing surprise, excitement, or disbelief.

OMG I can’t wait to see you!

OML — Oh My Lord. Another expression of surprise or exasperation.

OML, I can’t believe that she said that.

OMW — On My Way.

I can’t wait to hang out. OMW. 

ONG — On God. A way to swear that what one’s saying is true. Another way of saying “I swear” or “I swear to God.”

I swear they’re dating, she told me, ONG!

OOMF — One Of My Friends/Followers. Used to call out a specific friend or follower.

Like this post and I’ll shout out OOMF! 

OTP — One True Pairing. Used to describe an idealized couple, fictional or real.

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are the OTP. 

---

P-Z

---

PMOYS — Put Me On Your Snapchat. A quick way to request to be added to someone’s contact list (friend list) on Snapchat.

Hey, PMOYS so we can keep talking.

ROTFLMAO — Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A*s Off. Another way to say LMAO or LOL.

That was so funny! ROTFLMAO!

RN — Right Now.

I’m heading out RN.

RPG — Role-Playing Game. A game that allows players to make personalizing decisions about their character and play as if they were the video game character.

This is a new RPG and it’s so fun!

SO — Shout Out. A public and positive call out to someone over social media. This can also mean Significant Other.

Thanks for the SO on that Instagram post! I got three new followers from that!

TBH — To Be Honest. Used to preface an honest opinion.

TBH, I don’t really want to go to the movie anyway.

TF — The F*ck. Expresses incredulity and annoyance. A shortened version of WTF (what the f*ck).

Bruh, my teacher is making me stay after class. TF?!

TFW — That Feeling When. Used to describe an emotionally charged experience.

TFW you pass your test and your parents give you a trip to Disneyland.

TLDR — Too Long, Didn’t Read. Typically said in response to a lengthy text that the recipient didn’t want to read entirely.

Sorry, man, I can’t read that whole text. TLDR.

V — Very. Used to express emphasis.

I am V excited for Homecoming!

WYA — Where You At. Asking one’s location.

WYA? Movie’s about to start.

WYD — What You Doing? Asking what someone is up to.

WYD? Want to hang out? 

---

Talking About Slang

As a parent, it’s vital to keep an open dialogue with your kids about the language they use, both online and offline. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and foster an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their digital interactions. 

To support a safe online experience, consider purchasing a kid-safe device with messaging controls that allow for a good balance of autonomy and  monitoring, ensuring your child’s digital world is as secure as possible.

Did we miss any acronyms? Which of these acronyms have you seen in action? Let us know in the comments!