English Text Abbreviations

A complete reference to the shorthand English speakers use every day — in text messages, in-game chat, work emails, and academic writing. Pick a group below to see meanings and examples.

Abbreviations are everywhere in written English, but not all of them belong in the same context. The abbreviation you'd text a friend (LOL, BRB) is very different from the one you'd write in a work email (FYI, ASAP) or an academic essay (e.g., et al.). Using the wrong register can make your writing sound too casual — or too stiff.

This hub organises the most common English text abbreviations into four practical groups, each with its own dedicated reference page listing full meanings and example sentences. For a broader introduction to abbreviations, acronyms and initialisms in general, see our full abbreviations guide.

Browse by Group

Texting & Social Media15 common abbreviations — a complete reference of common texting and social media abbreviations — lol, brb, tbh, imo, fyi and more — with meanings and example sentences for english learners. Gaming14 common abbreviations — a complete reference of common gaming abbreviations and acronyms — gg, afk, npc, rng, dps and more — with meanings and example sentences for english learners. Business & Email15 common abbreviations — a complete reference of common business and email abbreviations — fyi, asap, eod, rsvp, ooo and more — with meanings and example sentences for english learners. Academic & Formal15 common abbreviations — a complete reference of common academic and formal abbreviations — e.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are text abbreviations?

Text abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases used to communicate faster in writing — especially in text messages, chat apps, social media, emails, gaming, and academic writing. Some, like LOL or BRB, are informal slang; others, like FYI or e.g., are standard even in professional and academic English.

Are all abbreviations informal?

No. Abbreviations exist on a spectrum of formality. Texting shorthand like SMH or IKR is strictly casual, business abbreviations like ASAP or KPI are professional-appropriate, and academic Latin abbreviations like e.g. and et al. are standard even in the most formal writing.

How do I know which abbreviations are safe to use in an email?

Business and formal abbreviations (FYI, ASAP, RSVP, e.g., i.e.) are generally safe in professional emails. Avoid pure texting or gaming slang (LOL, BRB, GG, AFK) in any email to a colleague, client, or teacher — they read as too casual for that context.

What is the difference between an abbreviation and an acronym?

An abbreviation is any shortened form of a word or phrase. An acronym is a specific type of abbreviation formed from initial letters and pronounced as a word, such as NASA or LOL (said as one word). Initialisms, like FYI or ASAP when spelled out letter by letter, are a related but distinct category.

Why do gaming and texting abbreviations differ so much from business abbreviations?

They developed in different communities for different needs. Texting and gaming abbreviations grew out of casual, fast-typed conversation between peers, prioritising speed and informality. Business abbreviations developed to keep professional communication efficient while still sounding appropriate for a formal audience.

Are Latin academic abbreviations like e.g. and i.e. still commonly used?

Yes. Despite being centuries old, abbreviations like e.g., i.e., etc., and et al. remain standard in academic, scientific and formal writing across English-speaking countries, and are frequently tested in IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge English exams.

Do abbreviations change over time?

Yes. New abbreviations constantly emerge, especially from gaming, social media and technology, while some older ones fall out of everyday use. The four groups on this page reflect current, widely recognised abbreviations in each context.

Can the same abbreviation mean different things in different groups?

Yes — context matters. FYI, for example, appears in both texting and business contexts with the same meaning, but abbreviations like OP mean “overpowered” in gaming and “original poster” on forums, so always check the context before assuming a meaning.

How can I learn abbreviations faster?

Group abbreviations by context (texting, gaming, business, academic) rather than memorising them all in one long list — this mirrors how native speakers actually learn and use them. Practising with flashcards and seeing each abbreviation in a real example sentence also speeds up recall.

Where can I practise using English abbreviations?

LexFizz offers free Flash Cards, Matching Pairs and Quiz exercises that present abbreviations in context, which is the most effective way to build fast, accurate recognition.