Slang dictionary · List
Text slang abbreviations, decoded
The letters in a group chat that adults most often ask about: ts, pmo, icl, wyd, smh and the rest. Several hide a swear word, which is often the point; the rating column says which. 38 terms. Updated 2 November 2026.
The short answer
The AlphaBetaMinds slang dictionary holds 38 terms written as abbreviations, including afk, bffr and fax. Each links to a page with its meaning, origin and a rating of whether an adult can use it.
One abbreviation here is not a joke. kys tells someone to kill themselves. If a child sends or receives it, talk to them about it. If anyone is at risk, in the US call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline); in the UK and Ireland call Samaritans free on 116 123.
| Term | In brief | Type | Rating for adults | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| afk | away from keyboard — not paying attention | Abbreviation | Safe | 2000–2026 |
| bffr | "be f***ing for real" — come on, you are… | Abbreviation | Not safe (recognise only) | 2022–2026 |
| fax | "facts" — that's true, I agree | Abbreviation | Safe | 2014–2026 |
| fr | for real — agreement or emphasis | Abbreviation | Safe | 2019–2026 |
| fs | "for sure" | Abbreviation | Safe | — |
| fym | a hostile "what do you mean?" with a swear… | Abbreviation | Not safe (recognise only) | 2017–2026 |
| fyp | for you page — the algorithmic feed on TikTok | Abbreviation | Safe | 2020–2026 |
| gg | good game — said at the end, or sarcastically… | Abbreviation | Safe | 2005–2026 |
| gng | gang — an address term for a friend | Abbreviation | Safe | 2023–2026 |
| grwm | get ready with me — a video made while… | Abbreviation | Safe | 2018–2026 |
| hmu | "hit me up" — contact me, or let's make… | Abbreviation | Safe | 2009–2026 |
| icl | "I can't lie" — honestly | Abbreviation | Safe | 2024–2025 |
| idek | "I don't even know" | Abbreviation | Safe | 2017–2026 |
| istg | "I swear to God" — seriousness, surprise or exasperation | Abbreviation | Safe | 2015–2026 |
| iykyk | "if you know, you know" — a nod to… | Abbreviation | Safe | 2009–2026 |
| kys | an extremely serious abusive abbreviation | Abbreviation | Not safe (recognise only) | 2015–2026 |
| lms | "let me see" — show me | Abbreviation | Careful | — |
| nfs | "not for sale", or in texts "no funny sh*t"… | Abbreviation | Careful | — |
| ngl | not gonna lie — a softener before an opinion | Abbreviation | Safe | 2018–2026 |
| ofc | "of course" | Abbreviation | Safe | — |
| ong | on god — I swear this is true | Abbreviation | Safe | 2019–2026 |
| oomf | "one of my followers" — someone you mention without… | Abbreviation | Safe | 2010–2026 |
| otp | "one true pairing" — a fan's favourite fictional couple | Abbreviation | Safe | 2002–2026 |
| pmo | "pisses me off" — or, less often, "put me… | Abbreviation | Careful | 2016–2025 |
| pov | point of view — a video framed as if… | Abbreviation | Safe | 2019–2026 |
| sm | "so much", as in "thanks sm" | Abbreviation | Safe | — |
| smh | "shaking my head" — disappointment or disapproval | Abbreviation | Safe | 2004–2026 |
| sybau | an aggressive dismissal, initialised | Abbreviation | Not safe (recognise only) | 2024–2026 |
| tbh | to be honest | Abbreviation | Safe | 2008–2026 |
| ts | "this shit" or "that shit", tacked on for emphasis | Abbreviation | Not safe (recognise only) | 2024–2025 |
| tspmo | "this (or that) shit pisses me off" | Abbreviation | Not safe (recognise only) | 2024–2025 |
| wsg | "what's good?" — a casual "how are you" | Abbreviation | Safe | 2019–2026 |
| wsp | "what's up", as a greeting or a question | Abbreviation | Safe | 2000s–2026 |
| wtv | "whatever" — indifference or boredom | Abbreviation | Safe | — |
| wyd | "what (are) you doing?" | Abbreviation | Safe | 2016–2026 |
| wyf | "where (are) you from?" | Abbreviation | Careful | — |
| xd | a laughing face — hysterical laughter | Emoticon | Safe | 2003–2026 |
| yh | "yeah" or "yes" | Abbreviation | Safe | 2010–2026 |