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Acronyms and abbreviations in English
Today I am going to get nostalgic and, first of all, I am going to tell you an anecdote based on real events: the first time I discovered acronyms in English.
It was the year 2003 and I was in full puberty studying an English course in Ireland. I had never left home on my own to study an English course abroad before and this time I chose an immersion program at an Irish institute in September for 4 weeks.
During that time I learned and improved my level of English a lot, thanks in large part to the friends I made so much in class and to my host family who taught me very useful colloquial expressions and vocabulary.
One day while we were in class, a classmate named Paul handed me a note that had some words written on it that I had never been taught in my English classes at school. It was the first time I saw things like “m8”, “TGIF”, “BYOB” or “L8R”. From the look on my face when I read it, he already knew that he wasn't understanding anything and passed me another note explaining himself better and without weird abbreviations. But I wanted to know what they meant and I became interested in these acronyms that everyone used in their SMS and class notes. Thanks to Paul, I learned a lot about them and, for that reason, today I am going to talk to you about some of the most popular acronyms in English. It's for you, Paul!
The use of acronyms in English
As you already know, the meaning of an acronym is the sum of the meanings of the words that compose it. Today they are much more frequent than a few years ago, especially thanks to technological advances in communications that have allowed everyone to use them on the Internet, social networks, instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Line, Telegram or in online games . like League of Legends or World of Warcraft …
But they are not only part of the digital world. Many of them are also used in work and business settings. They have even been included in the Oxford English Dictionary ! And it is that their strong point is that they allow you to save time and maintain a more fluid conversation, although there are people who are not in favor of using them to "safeguard the purity of the language".
The ones that we highlight below you can try to use them with anyone from anywhere in the world, since their use extends to practically all corners of the planet and they are more than well known. Here we go:
OMG
English translation: 'Oh my god'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Oh my god!
We start with the best known acronym of all that occupies the TOP 1: OH MY GOD! You may have also heard the 'Oh my gosh' version, which means the same thing but in a more delicate way and without mentioning the almighty. This expression is repeated ad nauseam in countless American series, but no one has ever said it as well as Janice from Friends.
Example: Have you seen the trailer for the new Harry Potter movie? OMG! It's awesome!
KIT
English translation: 'Keep in touch'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: We are in contact.
It is a very appropriate way to end a conversation since, in addition to hinting that you want to have another future conversation with that person, it also denotes interest in your interlocutor.
Example: I thank you for the attention received and the good treatment. KIT.
WTF
English translation: 'What the fuck?'
What does it mean in Spanish?: What the fuck?
Another of the best known and used today on the internet in memes and videos on the network. The expression 'Dafuq' has also become popular lately, which means exactly the same thing —the fuck— but in a shorter version, ignoring the 'what'.
It is said that it emerged in 1985 according to language historian Ben Zimmer, who places its first use in a post entitled "Ramblings" on the Usenet network.
Example: I have ordered an Iron Maiden t-shirt online and one of the Spice Girls has arrived. WTF!?
TBH
English translation: 'To be honest'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: To be honest.
It is used to justify the next thing to say when giving an opinion, hoping for understanding if it is to the liking of the recipient. It is a diplomatic and politically correct way of expressing an idea. It is widely used in social networks, and there is even the hashtag #tbh.
Example: TBH, I think you should let someone else do it.
ASAP
English translation: 'As soon as possible'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: As soon as possible.
This expression has also become very popular, to the point of using it in emails from companies to ask for something quickly. It's really just a euphemism for politely hurrying up, mind you. The maximum combo already comes if your boss tells you "As ASAP as possible". Tremble.
Example: I need you to prepare a design for an ASAP flyer.
GIYF
English translation: 'Google is your friend'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Google is your friend.
Google is everyone's best friend and if they ask you a question you have no idea about or think it's a stupid question that shouldn't be being asked of you, GIYF is the quick way to say 'google it yourself' and a less insolent alternative to saying RTFM ('Read the fucking manual').
Example: Question: Do you know the schedule of the European Championship matches? Answer: GIYF…
JIC
English translation: 'Just In Case'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Just in case.
It is the English version of our expression “just in case”. It is widely used in chats, SMS or social networks to shorten the text. Its use is not as widespread as others on the list but it always comes to know more things, JIC.
Example: I'm going to get a cardigan in case it gets cold tonight, JIC.
A.K.A
English translation: 'Also known as'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Also known as.
If you like hip-hop and comics, surely you already know this acronym, famous for being the favorite of rappers and superheroes to specify their nicknames, aliases and pseudonyms. There are those who have so many that they even link their AKAs one after another. It has become so popular that you will also see it in many Twitter bios.
Example: My name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III AKA Eminem AKA Slim Shady.
AFK
English translation: 'Away from keyboard'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Away from the keyboard.
This expression does belong 100% to the world of online games. When a person is AFK it means that they are absent and are not physically in front of the computer even though they appear connected. Once he is back in front of the computer, he is notified saying: Back online!
Example: They are ringing my doorbell. AFK.
LOL
English translation: 'Laughing out loud'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Laugh out loud.
It is used to laugh or indicate that something has made you funny, but often the expression has an air of sarcasm or disbelief, so you have to know how to interpret it depending on the context. Its excessive use has worn out the original meaning of the expression and, whoever uses it today, is surely not laughing out loud.
It has many variations of meaning such as LMAO 'Laughing my ass off' (literally, “break your ass laughing”), LMFAO 'Laughing my fucking ass off' (same but with the F word), ROFL 'Rolling on the floor laughing' (“rolling on the floor laughing”), or LOLZ (which is the plural of LOL).
Example: My little cousin stuck chewing gum in her hair and they had to shave her hair. LOL!
FYI
English translation: 'For your information'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: For your information.
Another expression that is generally used in emails in a professional way to indicate that the message is informative, to publicize a piece of information of interest or, in many cases, to inform you that they are passing you a brownie in a very kind way.
Example: FYI, I got a call from the printer and you have to change all the texts.
HAGD
English translation: 'Have a good day'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Have a good day.
This is the best way to wish your sender a good day through chats, networks or instant messaging. The number of emoticons you use to accompany the expression will serve to emphasize your good wishes. #socialmedia experts recommend between 3 and 5 smiling faces.
Example: I have to go, we talked at night. HAGD!
DIY
English translation: 'Do it yourself'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Do it yourself.
It is used to designate any thing or object that has been made by oneself with their own hands without having to buy it in a store or from a third party. It is becoming very common, especially in YouTube videos that explain small useful tricks to make your own crafts.
Example: Thanks to this DIY tutorial I have been able to make my phone case instead of buying one.
BTW
English translation: 'By the way'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: By the way.
It is used as a locution to add information to a topic, give a warning or divert the course of a conversation. It is very common to see this acronym in company emails. If you want to say something and you don't know how to interrupt the conversation without seeming too abrupt, use BTW!
Example: BTW, the dry cleaners have called me and we can now pick up the clothes.
ILY
English translation: 'I Love You'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: I love you.
It is the shorthand way for someone to say to another person that they love them so much that they cannot spend more than 3 seconds of their time to write it in full. You can also substitute the “Y” for the “U” and say 'ILU'.
Its use became popular when you had to go through the motions so that everything could fit in the same SMS and not pay more than necessary.
Example: Good night my life, sleep well. ILY <3
IMO
English translation: 'In my opinion'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: In my opinion.
One of the oldest acronyms that exist in communication, both digital and business. It has several versions such as "IMHO" (in my honest opinion / in my humble opinion) which means "in my honest / humble opinion" and its opposite, "IMNSHO", "in my not so humble opinion" (in my not so humble opinion). humble opinion).
Example: IMHO I think we should hurry up and buy everything before Christmas.
HBD
English translation: 'Happy Birthday'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: Happy Birthday.
Widely used in social networks like Twitter or Facebook to congratulate your contacts on their birthdays quickly. Some people also opt for the abbreviation for birthday, which is 'bday'.
Example: HBD! Enjoy your day and celebrate it as it deserves!
BRB
English translation: 'Be right back'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: I'll be right back.
Another expression that is commonly used in online games or in mobile instant messaging applications. There is another similar expression, although less used, which is BBL 'Be back later', “I'll be back later”.
Be careful when you use it. There are hundreds of documented cases of people who have used it and still haven't come back.
Example: I leave the computer because I have to go to eat, BRB.
IDK
English translation: 'I don't know'.
What does it mean in Spanish?: I don't know.
It is used both in chats, forums, instant messaging applications... It is ideal for conversations and quick answers, to make it clear that you have no clue about the subject in question.
Example: How much are the concert tickets worth? – IDK.
TGIF
English translation: 'Thank God it's Friday'
What does it mean in Spanish?: Thank God it's Friday.
This expression became popular in the mid-1960s in the United States thanks to the film of the same name and the restaurant chain TGI Fridays. It comes in handy to express that wonderful feeling you have on Friday afternoons when you finish your work day or leave school.
Example: TGIF! Do you want to go to dinner and have some beers?
Now that you have updated yourself and have mastered the slang of these words, don't hesitate to put them into practice! IMHO, if you liked the post and you found it interesting, you should share it with your friends on social networks ASAP so that the selfless educational and cultural work of my friend Paul (AKA the kind Irishman) spreads and reaches as many more, better. XOXO*!
*Bonus track:
XOXO is another acronym used in farewells where the Xs stand for kisses and the O for hugs. In theory, if you look at the letters from an aerial view, the X is supposed to be two people kissing and the O, two people hugging.
