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The 20 most popular English acronyms
Surely on several occasions you have come across English acronyms and you have been left OMG ('Oh my god'). With the advancement of technology, it is very common to find acronyms like this on a daily basis, and it is a practice that is increasingly used by users of social networks (even users of social networks to study languages ! !). It is also very common in messaging applications such as Whatsapp, Line, Telegram, WeChat... Even the Oxford English dictionary includes some since 2011. They are not only part of the digital world, outside of it they are beginning to sound among the most 'geeky'.
And is that acronyms are not just fun. In addition to making you smile, they will save you time and help you have a more fluid conversation.
From now on you will no longer have that surprised face when you see one of them, because here is a list of the most popular ones (which we assure you will not be taught in any English course); not one will escape you. Another excuse to put your English into practice with anyone from anywhere in the world, since its use extends to practically every corner of the planet.
AKA
What this acronym stands for: 'Also Known As'.
And in Spanish?: Also known as or alias.
Not only is it the favorite acronym of rappers, it is also that of superheroes. You don't have to be a superhero or a rapper to show off on Twitter.
Ejemplo: Selina Kyle aka Catwoman.
ASAP
What does this acronym mean: 'As Soon As Possible'.
And in Spanish?: As soon as possible.
One of the most used acronyms both in digital applications and outside of them. A way to rush without being noticed. It is also used in the world of work when companies require something quickly through email.
Example: We need to book that expensive trip to Paris ASAP.
FTF
What does this acronym stand for: 'Face To Face'.
And in Spanish?: Face to face.
It can also be written F2F. Do you fancy an FTF with that boy or girl you've met online and you like so much?
Example: I propose an FTF to get to know each other as soon as possible.
LOL
What this acronym stands for: 'Laughing Out Loud'.
And in Spanish? Laugh out loud
It is used to express joy but is sometimes used with a sarcastic air. Other variations with a similar meaning are LMAO 'Laughing My Ass Off' which means “breaking your ass laughing” or LMFAO 'Laughing My Fucking Ass Off', the crudest version that includes the word fucking.
Example: I'm going to break the face of laughter LOL.
OMG
What does this acronym mean: 'Oh My God'.
And in Spanish?: Oh my god!
We are facing the star acronym in terms of surprise and once you say it you can not stop repeating it, and if not ask American teenagers. We can also listen to “Oh My Gosh” which is a way of saying the same thing but with more tact and respect towards the religious world.
Example: OMG! Do not miss the new 'look' of Mario Vaquerizo.
WTF
What does this acronym stand for: 'What The Fuck?'
And in Spanish?: What the hell? (Content of a rude nature totally justified)
It is used to express surprise or discomfort in an ordinary way. Despite this fact, it is one of the most used and its origin dates back to 1985 according to language historian Ben Zimmer, who claims to have found out its first use on the Internet in a post on the Usenet network entitled "Ramblings".
Example: WTF, he has written to me to ask for a photo after several years without saying a word.
WTB
What this acronym stands for: 'Want To Buy'.
And in Spanish?: I want to buy.
It is usually used by women when they are chatting with friends to express that an object has caught their attention and they want to buy it.
Example: Have you seen the new Versace collection for H&M? WTB
BTW
What does this acronym stand for: 'By The Way'.
And in Spanish?: By the way.
Its most frequent use can be seen in emails on professional topics. If you want to tell an event and you don't know how to interrupt the conversation, this is the perfect acronym.
Example: BTW, I'm moving to London tomorrow.
GIYF
What this acronym stands for: 'Google Is Your Friend'.
And in Spanish?: Google is your friend.
A quick way to say “Google it”. Have you been asked a question about a topic and you have no idea what to answer? Google will do it for you.
Example: Question: What does “chocolatastic” mean? Answer: GIYF.
JIC
What this acronym stands for: 'Just In Case'.
And in Spanish?: Just in case.
It is the English version of the expression “just in case”. You always have to have a 'just in case' to come out on top in certain situations.
Example: I take an empty suitcase JIC devastated New York.
ILY
What does this acronym mean: 'I Love You'.
And in Spanish?: I love you.
If you are in love or in love, express yourself or say goodbye with an ILY. Another alternative to put the same thing would be ILU, substituting the “Y” for the “U”, which is how “You” would be pronounced.
Example: You have made me feel very happy ILY.
FYI
What this acronym stands for: 'For Your Information'.
And in Spanish?: For your information or for your knowledge.
It is generally used professionally in emails to indicate that the message is informative and that no response is expected from the sender.
Example: FYI today I'm not for anyone.
HAGD
What this acronym stands for: 'Have A Good Day'.
And in Spanish?: Have a good day.
Of the best ways to wish a good day through a messaging application and if you accompany it with an emoticon, the coffee will taste better.
Example: I'm flying to the "uni", HAGD.
IMO
What this acronym stands for: 'In My Opinion'.
And in Spanish?: In my opinion.
It is one of the oldest acronyms that exist in digital communication. Other variations that exist are: "IMHO" (in my honest opinion / in my humble opinion) which mean "in my honest opinion" and "in my humble opinion" respectively. We also find “IMNSHO”, “in my not so humble opinion”.
Example: IMO I wouldn't go like this or to the corner.
HBD
What does this acronym mean: 'Happy Birthday'.
And in Spanish?: Happy Birthday.
Widely used in social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, we can even find it as a hashtag. A way to congratulate the birthday in a fast way. And if not tell Bill Clinton who has recently used it on twitter to congratulate his daughter.
Example: The years do not pass by you, HBD.
BRB
What this acronym stands for: 'Be Right Back'.
And in Spanish?: I'll be right back.
It is commonly used in chat and mobile instant messaging applications. Very effective if you are cooking while chatting and don't want to end the conversation. There is another similar expression BBL "Be Back Later" which means "I'll be back later".
Example: I'm between stoves, BRB.
IDK
What this acronym stands for: 'I Don't Know'.
And in Spanish?: I don't know.
It is used in chat and instant messaging applications. It's great for quick conversations (and when you have no f***ing idea).
Example: Did you say Raelians? IDK.
KIT
What this acronym stands for: 'Keep In Touch'.
And in Spanish?: We are in contact.
Denotes interest in the interlocutor. The most appropriate way to end a conversation, if you want to have another one in the following days.
Example: Thank you very much for everything, KIT.
JK
What does this acronym stand for: 'Just Kidding'.
And in Spanish?: It's a joke or just kidding.
This is an acronym that you should master if you like to make jokes through your favorite messaging applications and do not want to leave them halfway.
Example: Don't let it get to you, JK.
WDYT
What does this acronym stand for: 'What Do You Think?'
And in Spanish?: What do you think?
It can be ideal for us if we are shopping and we want to know the opinion about those shoes that we like so much. It can also come in handy when we talk through a messaging application and the receiver takes time to respond.
Example: I'm trying on outfits for tonight's party, WDYT.
Do not hesitate to put them into practice since, in addition to being up to date with the jargon of the “words” of social networks, you will get out of more than one hurry without investing many minutes of your valuable time. You can also share it with your friends through social networks, this way you will prevent them from looking silly when you express yourself JIC.
