How to Use Common Text-Messaging Abbreviations: omw, tbf, ikr Meaning

Text messaging is a language all its own more often than not—a subset of English, if you will—and all the shorthand, slang, and (most of all) acronyms can leave a newcomer feeling lost. When to use “tbf” versus “tbh”? What does “ikr” mean? How is “omw” different from “omg”?

Never fear: there is a method to the madness.

Whether you use WhatsApp, iMessage, or just about any other platform with verbal messaging capabilities, here are a few of the most widely used acronyms and lingo to save your time and energy in expressing yourself. But remember not to use them when chatting in formal situations or with your English tutor online.

IKR meaning and use

Acronym for “I know, right?” Used to signify agreement.

Example:

Person 1: it’s so hot I think I might melt
Person 2: ikr

What is OMW?

The “omw” meaning in text is so ingrained that many autocorrect features will automatically lengthen the acronym to its phrase: “on my way.”

Example:

Person 1: omw, should be there in 15 minutes
Person 2: great!

OMG: meaning and examples

So famous an emoticon pops up right away when you type it in—the acronym for “oh my god.”

How to use TBF

The “tbf” meaning is “to be fair”—a bit more obscure than some of its counterparts, but no less legitimate.

Example:

She acted kind of irritated toward me today, but tbf I was 10 minutes late to the morning meeting

TBH: meaning and examples

Better-known than “tbf,” “tbh” is the classic “to be honest.”

Example:

Person 1: hey! do you mind if we reschedule for tomorrow night?
Person 2: that would be perfect, I’m feeling drained after today tbh.

What is I-?

This one is newer and slightly more niche. The “i-” meaning in text, often in the context of “and i-,” refers to something that is so surprising or cringeworthy that one cannot finish the sentence; they cut themselves off. Used for humorous or dramatic effect.

Example:

my mom asked my 3yo sister what she wanted from the menu & my sister goes “hel-LO, i can’t READ” i-

BRB: meaning

One of the earliest and most famous internet acronyms—is “be right back.”
This list barely scratches the surface; new slang and sayings are cropping up all the time, so keep your eye on the auto-fill!

Some more examples: