20 Common English Abbreviations You Should Know
English is full of abbreviations! From texting your friends to reading signs or articles online, abbreviations help save time and space. But if you’re not familiar with them, they can be confusing.
In this post, we’ll explore 20 common English abbreviations you’ll often hear or see — plus examples to help you understand how to use them!
📱 Text & Chat Abbreviations
1. LOL – Laugh Out Loud
Used when something is funny.
Example: That meme you sent. LOL, I can’t stop laughing!
2. BRB – Be Right Back
Used when you’re stepping away from a conversation for a moment.
Example: BRB, I need to grab some water.
3. OMG – Oh My God
Used to express surprise, shock, or excitement.
Example: OMG, did you see her dress?
4. IDK – I Don’t Know
Used when you’re not sure about something.
Example: IDK what time the movie starts.
5. FYI – For Your Information
Used to share information that may be helpful.
Example: FYI, the meeting has been moved to 3 PM.
💼 Work & Formal Writing Abbreviations
6. ASAP – As Soon As Possible
Used when something needs to be done quickly.
Example: Please send me the file ASAP.
7. CEO – Chief Executive Officer
The highest-ranking person in a company.
Example: The CEO announced a new product today.
8. ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
Used to talk about when someone or something will arrive.
Example: My ETA is 6:30 PM.
9. TBA – To Be Announced
Used when details will be shared later.
Example: The date of the concert is still TBA.
10. RSVP – Répondez S’il Vous Plaît (Please respond)
Used in invitations to ask guests to confirm their attendance.
Example: Don’t forget to RSVP to the wedding!
🌍 Everyday Life Abbreviations
11. DIY – Do It Yourself
Used for projects you do on your own, without professional help.
Example: I made this bookshelf. Total DIY!
12. ATM – Automated Teller Machine
Where you withdraw money from your bank account.
Example: I need to stop by an ATM.
13. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
A list of common questions and answers.
Example: Check the FAQ section on the website.
14. DOB – Date of Birth
Often required on forms or documents.
Example: What’s your DOB?
15. RIP – Rest In Peace
Used when someone has passed away.
Example: RIP, Grandma. You will be missed.
🔁 Online & Social Media Abbreviations
16. DM – Direct Message
Used on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Example: DM me if you have questions.
17. NSFW – Not Safe For Work
Used to warn that content may not be appropriate in professional settings.
Example: That video is NSFW, so don’t open it at work.
18. TL;DR – Too Long; Didn’t Read
Used before a short summary of a longer text.
Example: TL;DR – We’re canceling the event.
19. TBT – Throwback Thursday
Used when sharing old photos or memories on Thursdays.
Example: Here’s a photo from high school. #TBT
20. ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
Used to recap or highlight something important.
Example: ICYMI, our new product just launched!
Final Thoughts
Learning abbreviations helps you sound more natural in English and understand native speakers better. Start using a few of these in your conversations or writing — and you’ll see just how useful they can be!
👉 Did we miss any? Let us know your favorite abbreviation in the comments!
