Twitter has a 140 character limit in which you can send your message. So, it’s important that you use shorthand typing to make use of the limited space. Most of these acronyms and abbreviations are probably familiar to regular Internet users, but some are more specific to Twitter.
Here is a list of the top 35 Twitter acronyms and abbreviations that often appear in tweets:
1. RT = Retweet
2. DM = Direct Message
3. @ = Reply to [username] / at (as in location)
4. PRT = Partial Retweet / Please Retweet
5. FTW = For The Win
6. FTL = For The Loss
7. IRL = In Real Life
8. FTF or F2F = Face to Face
9. IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
10. b/c = because
11. w/o = without
12. JV = Joint Venture
13. OH = Overheard
14. NP = No Problem
15. LMK = Let Me Know
16. LOL = Laugh(ing) Out Loud
17. LMAO = Laugh(ing) My Ass Off
18. BTW = By They Way
19. Plz or Pls = Please
20. FYI = For Your Information
21. FB = Facebook
22. J/K = Just Kidding
23. Tweeps or Tweeple = Twitter Users
24. PPL or Peeps = People
25. TTYL = Talk To You Later
26. TTYS = Talk To You Soon
27. OMG = Oh My God / Oh My Gosh
28. Ur = Your
29. U = You
30. NSFW = Not Safe For Work
31. YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary
32. RR = Re-run
33. RE = Reply
34. TY or TU = Thank You
35. YW = You’re Welcome
What other acronyms or abbreviations have you seen on Twitter that I didn’t mention above. Please add them below in the comments section.
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I’m afraid to use those short form because people may not understand it but after read your post, I will use it regularly.Thanks..
Een, now you’ll look like a Twitter Rockstar whenever you tweet your messages.
If you use acronyms and abbreviations on a regular basis, your Twitter followers will quickly begin to catch up.
Nice listing of shortcuts. Looks like many came over from instant messaging.
That’s right, you’ll recognize most of these if you use instant messaging. Only some are exclusive to Twitter.
Great post, but I notice you listed LMK twice (15 & 23).
I also see “tweeps” used quite often to connotate twitter users, or “twtr” as an abbreviation of Twitter itself.
It’s worth noting that most hastags are abbreviations as well. Personally, I rather like the very long dual abbreviation/hastag #LOFNOTC (Losers of Friday night on their computers) for the fact that it has developed into quite the community.
Good catch, Chelsea! I replaced #23 with your example, “tweeps” or “tweeple” to connotate Twitter users.
I understand the benefits and your appreciation of hashtags, but most of them are foreign to me unless you actively engage within the community.
Hey Tom,
Great tips.
I get to know your through Twitter and it’s worth visiting here.
All the best.
These are really useful
Didn’t even know some of these. The more common ones, like RT, DM, and FB are what I usually use when I tweet. Now I’ve added even more twitter terms, thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you find this post useful. Now, you’re considered a pro Twitter user.
I had a printed Twitter Cheat Sheet that had this and more information but this is great, now I can copy this and refer to it right from my desktop
My favorite abbreviation, and the one I use the most is “TQ”. A variation of TU but I love it! TQ 4 the post!
Kristina, that works too! Thanks for the input.
Thanks for sharing the top 35 twitter shortcuts. Keep posting.
Isn’t it funny how fast things change yet don’t. This is a perfect example since just a few years ago this would have been for chat but now there’s just a few things added.
You’re right, most of the time, things are brought over from their origin. In this case, it’s better not to change, but you can always add to it.
Nice tips, it really saves character spaces as well as TIME.
Thanks for sharing these. Most of the words here does not only apply for Twitter, but also for the web in general.
Any idea why there has to be forward slash between J and K for just kidding?
Thanks for pointing that out. “J/K” doesn’t necessarily has to have a forward slash in between each letter, but I’ve seen it used more commonly this way though. I’m sure you would agree to that too.
YMMV are you kidding… thats getting a little much I think… Phonetic English started as a result of SMS… English teachers must be losing there mind…!!!!