In the vast universe of social media, deciphering the ever-evolving language can be a daunting task. Platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp introduce new terms faster than you can scroll, leaving many users perplexed. While social media slang facilitates swift communication, it can also erect barriers for those not fluent in the latest lingo. Fret not, as we’ve curated a cheat sheet of 20 must-know abbreviations and acronyms to keep you in the loop.
ATP (At This Point)
Navigate the nuances of expressing current thoughts or opinions with ATP. For instance, “ATP, I’m still deciding my New Year’s Eve plans.”
ATM (At The Moment)
For real-time expressions, use ATM. Here is an example – “ATM, I’m vibing with this new album.” (Note: ATM also refers to automated teller machines, but let’s not go there.)
FRFR (For Real For Real)
Emphasise sincerity, agreement, or an essential point with FRFR. Example: “The homeless shelter needs donations ASAP, FRFR.”
OOMF (One of My Followers)
Maintain follower privacy by using OOMF when referencing a specific follower. Example: “OOMF just sent me the funniest meme.”
FYP (For You Page)
Unlock Instagram and WhatsApp’s personalised recommendations feed with FYP, essential for creators aiming to reach new audiences.
PM (Private Message)
Engage in discreet one-on-one communication with PM, an alternative to DM.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Catch up on notable news, events, or trends with ICYMI, keeping followers in the loop.
IMO/IMHO (In My Opinion / In My Honest Opinion)
Precede personal beliefs or perspectives with IMO or IMHO, differentiating subjective views from objective facts.
SMH (Shaking My Head)
Express disbelief, disapproval, or frustration with SMH. Example: “SMH at the misinformation online.”
TBH/TBQH (To Be Honest / To Be Quite Honest)
Precede honest admissions or opinions with TBH or TBQH. Example: “TBH, I found that movie pretty boring.”
OOTD/OOTN (Outfit of the Day / Outfit of the Night)
Showcase your fashion flair on Instagram and WhatsApp with OOTD and OOTN.
IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)
Share inside jokes or niche information understood only by a specific group.
NGL (Not Gonna Lie)
Emphasise points with blunt honesty using NGL. Example: “NGL, I am close to losing it.”
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Combat anxiety over missed experiences, events, or content with FOMO.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Summarise lengthy posts with TL;DR for those with limited attention spans.
Armed with this comprehensive dictionary, decode social media’s cryptic language and stay ahead in the online conversation.
Keep it handy for the next time those random letters leave you scratching your head.
Happy scrolling!
