Have you read on the internet abbreviations like FYI, LOL, ASAP and others? Read and discover the meaning
What do the abbreviations you see on the internet mean? In Portuguese, “vc” is “you”, “kd” means “where”, “tbm” means also. But what about in English, what are the abbreviations used and what are their meanings?
In informal written language, and often in spoken language, it is very common to abbreviate sentences. It is simpler, practical and faster to communicate this way. But it also complicates the understanding of those who do not have a vast knowledge of the English language, which is why we have separated some of the most common abbreviations of English for you to discover the meaning.
AFK
Away from the keyboard, translated as: away from the keyboard. It is used to inform that you are away from the computer.
AKA
Also known as, which translates to: also known as. You've probably seen and/or heard in movies and series, as it's often used to refer to pseudonyms, for example, Stephen King aka Richard Bachman.
ASAP
As soon as possible, translated as: as soon as possible. Used to refer to an urgent situation, it means an attitude or response “for yesterday”.
BRB
Be right back, which translates to: I 'll be right back, or I'll be back soon. When your time of absence will not be extended.
BTW
By the way, translated as: by the way or by the way. When something reminds you of another topic during the conversation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions, which translates to: answers to frequently asked questions. Refers to the most common questions for a particular product or section.
FYI
For your information, translated as: for your information.
IMHO and IMO
In my humble opinion and in my opinion both mean “ in my opinion ”, but with the addition of “ humble ” in one of them.
LOL
It has two meanings. Originally it was: “ laughing out loud”, which in literal translation would be “ laughing out loud ”, but which is better translated to “ laughing a lot ”. However, its meaning has changed and it is more common for people to understand League of Legends as a computer game.
LMAO
Laughing my ass off, does not have a literal translation, but it came to fill the space left by LOL, therefore, it should be understood as “ laughing a lot ” or “ crying with laughter ”.
NSFW
Not safe for work, translated as: not safe for work. It is a warning used when a message or image should not be seen at work, or even in public places.
OMG
Oh my God, is translated as: “ my God ”. Used to show surprise or amazement.
RLY
Really, the literal translation would be: “ really ”. However, it is mostly used in the sense of “is it serious?”
TKS
Thanks. The abbreviation of the word “ thank you ”.
There are also abbreviations for ending a message or email. When you are more intimate, and the subject is something less formal, the common thing is to use “ XOXO”, which means “ hugs and kisses”. In other words, “ hugs and kisses”.
In a more formal environment, a business email, for example, is common to end with “ best”, which is a shortening of the phrase “ best regards”, which in Portuguese would be “ greetings ”, or “ best wishes”, something like: “ best wishes ”. However, it is important to note that “ best regards” is the most used, while “ best wishes” should be reserved for more informal e-mails.