Chat Abbreviations

In today’s world of instant chatting technology, there are literally thousands of instant messaging apps out there!  From Whatsapp, WeChat, Line, and Facebook’s Instant Messenger, the English language itself has evolved into a more tech-friendly language.  Welcome to the world of chat abbreviations! 

Chat abbreviations are basically short-hand abbreviations for commonly used words and phrases.  Rather than typing the entire word, people often use these shortenings when they text each other.  Below is a list of some of the most common chat abbreviations and acronyms.  These are just a few that you might encounter and are also extremely easy to use!  Happy texting!

            

QT        “Cutie” 

BFF       “Best friend forever”

LOL       “Laugh out loud”                

BRB       “Be right back”

GR8       “Great”                        

BRT       “Be right there”

IMU       “I miss you”                    

CUS       “See you soon”

CU         “See you”                   

XOXO    “Hugs and kisses”

F2F       “Face to face”                    

IDK       “I don’t know”

WYWH  “Wish you were here”               

IRL       “In real life”

TIX       “Tickets”                    

IDC       “I don’t care”

JK         “Just kidding”                    

L8R       “Later”

UR        “You are / You’re”               

OIC       “Oh, I see”

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Sketchy

Sketchy (adjective): someone or something that seems strange, bad or potentially dangerous

Situation #1: A mother and son

Mom: Have you talked to your dad today?

Son: No. Why?

Mom: Well, he's acting kind of strange. Like, he's been really secretive about where he's going.

Son: Don't worry, Mom. He's not doing anything sketchy.

Mom: How do you know?

Son: Well, I don't want to ruin the surprise, but you know what Friday is.

Mom: Hmm... Oh, it's our anniversary. Is he planning something?

Son: I can't tell you!

                                                                                                               

Explanation: While the word "sketch" means to draw, "sketchy" means someone or something seems strange, bad or potentially dangerous. In this first example, the mother is concerned that her husband is acting strangely, but her son assures her that he's not doing anything sketchy, or potentially inappropriate, by suggesting that he is planning something for their anniversary.

Situation #2: Two friends

Val: Are you going to the party at Tom's?

Frances: Probably not.                                                     

Val: Why not?

Frances: He lives in a sketchy neighborhood. Last time I left his place to go home, I thought I was going to get robbed.

Val: Then come with me. We'll be safer if we're together.                                

Explanation:  In this example, Frances calls the neighborhood "sketchy," which means she thinks it might be dangerous.

The bridge photographed by Maria Ly looks pretty sketchy. Would you cross it?

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Throw Shade (on/at someone)

To throw shade on/at someone - to publicly show disapproval, disrespect, or dislike for someone but often in an indirect way

Context 1: Two friends are talking about Hollywood actresses
Kendall: Did you hear what Reese Witherspoon said when she accepted her award last night? She totally threw shade at Kim Kardashian.
Dina: No, what did she say?
Kendall: She said that it is possible to make it in Hollywood without doing a reality show, and if you ever made a sex tape, you should be embarrassed about it!
Dina: Woah!
Kendall: Yes, and of course everyone knew who she was talking about.
Dina: I think actresses like to throw shade at each other!

Context 2: Two people watching a talk show on TV
Chris: Wow! That little 5-year old is throwing shade at the President of the United States!
James: Oh, I wasn't watching. What happened?
Chris: Well, this kid knows everything about geography and can recognize any country's shape or flag, even the smallest country far away.
James: OK. But what does that have to do with the president?
Chris: The kid was drawing a bunch of different countries and when it came to Russia, he drew a picture of the president on it!
James: Woah. Even a 5-year old is aware of all the drama in the white house, but his parents probably helped him throw shade at the president!

To see the original video, click the link below:

5 year-old geography expert throws shade at President Trump


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To be (all) set

Context #1

Tom: "We have a big exam today.  Are you ready for it?"
Sam: "Yeah, I studied all night.  I'm all set."

Context #2
Kathy (on the phone): "Hey Jane, I'm on my way and I'll be there in about 10 minutes to pick you up.
Jane: "No problem.  I'm all set and ready to go."

Meaning: "to be (all) set" is an American idiom that is used to express the meaning of being ready and prepared for something.

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Game Changer

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Bae

Example 1: Two friends discussing weekend plans
Barry: What are you doing this weekend?

Iris: I’m going out with (my) bae to the beach.
Barry: Oh, I didn’t know you were in a relationship.

Iris: My bae is all I think about.

Example 2:

Nusret: I’m going to start a steak house

Henry:  Why? What’s so special about the meat you will sell compared to others?

Nusret:  I will only buy the best, most expensive meat, and perform for my clients by pouring salt in a fun way.

Henry:  Is it a gimmick?

Nusret:  No, it’s entertainment.  I’ll film the videos and attract people to come.  No one has ever done it.  I’ll be the first, before anyone else.  I will call myself “Salt Bae.”

Explanation: 

Bae is an acronym for “Before Anyone Else.”  It’s more typically used to describe someone’s significant other (Example 1).  However, many people think it means baby or babe, but that’s incorrect.  It means to do something first that no one else has.  

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To twist someone’s arm

Example 1: Two friends discussing evening plans
Lana: What should we do tonight?
Betty: Let’s just stay home. I don’t want to get dressed up to go out.
Lana: That sounds so boring! Let’s go to the new club that everyone at school is talking about.
Betty: I don’t know… I’m already sleepy and if we go out, we’ll be out pretty late.
Lana: Come on! It’ll be so fun! Since it’s spring break, I bet there will be lots of cute guys there from out of town! You know you want to!
Betty: OK, OK! You’ve twisted my arm. Let’s start getting ready. What should I wear….?

Example 2: Boyfriend and Girlfriend discussing weekend plans
GF: So… my cousin is having a party on Saturday. It should be really fun. It would also be a good chance to meet some of my family.
BF: Oh, really? Hmm, I’m not sure if I have to work this weekend or not.
GF: But you never have to work on Saturday nights. This week is different?
BF: Uh, yeah. I think so. I have to check my schedule.
GF: You know what I think? I think you’re lying to me about having to work; you’re just not interested in meeting my family. I don’t want to have to twist your arm if you don’t want to go. I want you to come with me only if you really want to. Just tell me the truth and I’ll try to understand. Lying isn’t going to help our relationship, you know.
BF: I’m sorry, you’re right. I’m really nervous to meet your family. Please just give me more time.
GF: Okay, that’s all you have to say!


Explanation:
To twist someone’s arm means to work to convince someone to do something they might not want to do. Sometimes it’s used similarly to force. Please note: people are not actually twisting someone’s arm physically!

In example 1, the friends are discussing their plans. Betty doesn’t really want to go out, but Lena convinces her by reminding her that she can meet cute guys at the club.

In example 2, the girlfriend is almost angry in feeling that she has to force her boyfriend to go to a family party with her.

Some more example sentences:
You’ll have to twist my arm to see that movie! I really don’t like the actress.
Johnny didn’t want to come to the baby shower. I had to twist his arm.
Let’s get some ice cream! … Great idea! You don’t have to twist my arm!

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