Social media has spawned its own unique language over the years. From Instagram to X, platforms continue to introduce new terms and abbreviations that can leave some users confused. While social media slang allows for quick and concise communication, it can also create barriers for those not fluent in the latest lingo. If you are one of them, we’ve compiled a list of 20 must-know abbreviations and acronyms used on today's top platforms to save you the trouble. ATP (At This Point) This abbreviation conveys a thought or opinion related to the current moment or situation. For example, "ATP, I still have no idea what I'm doing for New Year's Eve." ATM (At The Moment) Similar to ATP, ATM simply means right now or at the present time. It provides immediacy to a thought or opinion. For instance, "ATM, I'm loving this new album." It can also mean ‘automated teller machine’ sometimes, but let’s not get there. FRFR (For Real For Real) This slang term is used to emphasize sincerity, agreement, or an important point. It's the social media equivalent of saying "I kid you not" or "no, seriously". For example, "That homeless shelter needs donations ASAP, FRFR." OOMF (One of My Followers) When referring to a specific follower without revealing their identity, users will say OOMF. It provides privacy when discussing interactions with individual followers. For example, "OOMF just DM'd me the funniest meme." FYP (For You Page) The FYP refers to Instagram’s and TikTok's personalised recommendations feed that displays content you might enjoy. FYP is huge for creators in terms of getting their videos in front of new audiences. It’s used by creators to get their content to rank better on the feed. WCW (Woman Crush Wednesday) Users highlight admirable women on Wednesdays for WCW. It's a chance to uplift and honour women role models, trailblazers, influencers and more. WCW posts feature one or more women along with text celebrating them. MCM (Man Crush Monday) Used on Mondays, MCM is when users celebrate men they admire. It's the masculine equivalent of WCW. Posts feature one or more men along with captions explaining why they've been singled out as their MCM. POV (Point of View) On social media, POV provides perspective for video content. For example, "POV: you're at your high school reunion." It prompts the viewer to envision themselves in the described scenario. PM (Private Message) An alternate to DM, PM refers to private messages exchanged between users on social media platforms. It allows for discreet one-on-one communication rather than public exchanges viewable in comments or feeds. "I'm going to PM you" means the conversation is about to become more private. ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ICYMI is used on social media to catch users up on notable news, events or trends they may have overlooked. For instance, "ICYMI: Beyonce just announced a new world tour for 2023." It keeps followers in the loop. RT (Retweet) To retweet means to re-share or repost another user's content on one's own profile, enabling it to reach new audiences. It's a form of signal boosting. Though Twitter is now X, you'll still see people use "RT". IMO/IMHO (In My Opinion / In My Honest Opinion) These abbreviations precede statements of personal belief or perspective. It allows users to express views while clarifying it's subjective vs. objective facts. For example, "The new Spider Man movie looks amazing IMO." SMH (Shaking My Head) SMH conveys disbelief, disapproval, disappointment, or frustration. For instance, "SMH at all the misinformation online lately." It's a popular response to outrageous current events and news. IG (Instagram) IG is shorthand for Instagram. For example, "Follow me on IG @mahesh44." People use it when promoting IG profiles or discussing the platform. It can also stand for “I guess.” TBH/TBQH (To Be Honest / To Be Quite Honest) Both TBH and TBQH indicate honesty follows. It precedes admissions, opinions, or blunt statements. For example, "TBH I found that movie pretty boring." OOTD/OOTN (Outfit of the Day / Outfit of the Night) OOTD and OOTN refer to Instagram and TikTok fashion posts highlighting one's look for the day or evening. It spotlights style and provides outfit inspiration. For instance, "OOTD: Loving this power suit." IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) IYKYK refers to inside jokes or niche information only certain groups would understand. For example, "Only '90s kids will get this IYKYK." It bonds those "in the know" while excluding outsiders. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) FOMO describes anxiety over experiences, events, or content friends and followers are engaged with that you're not. Social media fuels FOMO. For instance, "Vacation FOMO is so real right now." No one wants to miss out on hot trends or pop culture moments. NGL (Not Gonna Lie) Used similarly to TBH, NGL is used to emphasise a particular point and is usually followed by an honest (often blunt) opinion or thought. For example, "NGL, I am this close to completely losing it." TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read) This abbreviation is used when a social media post is too lengthy and the user provides a brief summary for those who don't have time to read it in its entirety. For example, "TL;DR: Went to Italy, ate lots of pasta, had an amazing time." It's a way to cater to different attention spans. There you have it – a complete dictionary of today's essential social media abbreviations and acronyms. Keep this handy for the next time some random letters on social media get you scratching your head.
