Acronyms and Abbreviations: Decoding Your Kid’s Text Slang

Updated – Originally published November 20, 2024

Remember the days of T9 texting? Sending a single “L” meant pressing the “5” key three times, and texting fast (thanks to predictive texting) was practically a sport. Back then, we had a handful of shortcuts like “BRB,” “TTYL,” and “OMG,” mostly to save time and spare our thumbs.

Today’s teens, though? They’re fluent in a completely different language. One packed with rapid-fire acronyms, inside jokes, and emotionally loaded shorthand that can be tough to translate.We’ve already broken down the biggest Gen Z slang terms, but this time, we’re diving into the alphabet soup of acronyms and abbreviations your child is most likely using in texts, DMs, and group chats.

Before we get to the big list, let’s break down a handful of the most commonly used acronyms in a little more detail.

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.

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A-I

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

You look hot AF today!

ASL — As hell. Used to add extra emphasis. In the early days of the internet, ASL was used for “age, sex, location,” but that usage is rarely used on social media.

That’s cool asl.

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! 

BFFR – Stands for “Be F**king For Real.”  Used playfully to encourage someone to be honest or realistic.

“You think I can finish this puzzle in 5 minutes? Bffr.”

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.

EMP — Stands for “Eat My Pants.” A silly phrase to express surprise or amusement.

My dog figured out how to open the fridge. EMP.

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!

GYAT — Slang version of “gosh/God” or “godd**n.” Often used to express exaggerated surprise or excitement. (Note for Parents: This term is sometimes used to comment on physical appearance, often focusing on certain body parts. Read more here.)

GYAT, that pie looks amazing!

ICYMI — In Case You Missed It.

My graduation is this Friday, ICYMI!

IDC — I Don’t Care. Often used to shrug off drama.

They changed the dress code again but idc, it’s not a big deal.

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

IKR — I Know, Right?

That test was surprisingly easy!

Ikr?

ILY / ILU — I Love You. Often shared among close friends of family.

Thanks for always being there. Ily.

IMO / 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. 

JSP — Stands for “Just Stay Positive.” Used to encourage or motivate.

I know the tryouts were tough, but you did great. JSP!

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K-O

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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.

KMS — Kill Myself. Usually used sarcastically to express feeling overwhelmed, but can sometimes signal distress.

I have three tests tomorrow and haven’t started studying… kms.

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! 

OOMFIE — A playful or affectionate version of OOMF, usually in memes or silly comments.

Oomfie just said their cat knows how to high five. I need proof.

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

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski are the OTP. 

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P-Z

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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!

SMH — Stands for “Shaking My Head.” Expresses mild disappointment or disbelief.

He forgot his backpack again… smh.

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.

TMI — Stands for “Too Much Information.” Used when someone overshares, usually in a lighthearted way.

Okay, that was a little TMI, but kinda funny.

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? 

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When to Pay Attention — and When to Check In

Text slang can feel like a foreign language, but learning a few key terms goes a long way toward understanding your child’s world and keeping the lines of communication open. The goal isn’t to decode every message or monitor every conversation — it’s to stay connected, aware, and available. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and check in with your child.

Tools like Gabb Messenger can help bridge the gap. With built-in filters and alerts for potentially concerning words or phrases (like “KMS”), parents can stay informed without overstepping their child’s privacy. It’s one more way to support kids as they grow up in a fast-moving digital world.

Have you seen any acronyms that surprised you or ones we missed? Drop them in the comments or share this article with another parent who could use a quick texting cheat sheet.