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10 English Abbreviations
As the saying goes: “Briefness is the spice.” If you want to make yourself understood in the English-speaking world, then abbreviations are also part of it. The abbreviations are particularly practical these days, when communication is increasingly taking place via smartphone. We have 10 English abbreviations for you that you should definitely know.
- TGIF – Thank God It's Friday
In youth language, this abbreviation is known all over the world. Especially on social media, TGIF is circulating like crazy on Friday afternoons or after work and means something like "Yeah, the weekend is here!"
- Raise your hands weekend!
- ASAP – As Soon As Possible
This English abbreviation has also become totally established in the German business world. For example, the email from your boss could say: “Please do this ASAP”. That means nothing other than that you should take care of it «as soon as possible».
- It's best if you've already done something before you're even asked.
- LMK - Let Me Know
"Would you like to go to the cinema tonight? LMK! » This English abbreviation works well if you expect a promise or confirmation from a message. It means something like "Let me know."
- DIY - do-it-yourself
It is very trendy again to build and tinker everything yourself. This term is abbreviated to DIY, i.e. «Do It Yourself». A little tip: You can find a lot of “do it yourself” inspiration on the Pinterest platform.
- Be creative and do it yourself.
- AKA - Also Known As
This combination of letters can also be found in colloquial German. Translated, AKA means: «Also known as». This is how this abbreviation is used when talking about someone who is also known by a different name.
- TMI—Too Much Information
Especially nowadays we share a lot of our private lives on social media. However, certain information is then simply TMI – so to speak, information that goes too far and one would rather not know about it.
- did you have to say that This is TMI!
- BRB – Be Right Back
You're deep into a Facebook chat on your computer, and then the doorbell rings. No problem, you can simply type in BRB and the person you are talking to will know that you are just going away and will be right back.
- TTYL—Talk To You Later
You are having a good conversation over a coffee and at that moment a good friend tries to call you. You can just send her the letter combination TTYL and she will know that you will be in touch later and that you don't have time right now.
- TTYL - See you later.
- TBC - To Be Confirmed
For example, if you are planning an event and have already chosen the venue but it has not yet been confirmed, you can simply write TBC after this task on your to-do list. So you know that there is still a confirmation to come.
- DOB – Date Of Birth
Everyone has a DOB once a year. We're talking about a birthday! Especially when you are traveling and have to fill out a form, this abbreviation can be helpful.
Yeah – once a year we all celebrate!
If you want to make sure that you pronounce all expressions correctly, we have tips for you on how to avoid mistakes with English expressions.
