Common Social Media Abbreviations You Should Know

Have you ever found yourself perplexed by the myriad abbreviations on social media? You’re not alone. Social media operates in its own realm with a unique language.

These abbreviations are typically universal across social media platforms, so chances are you’ve encountered them on more than one app. Here’s a compilation of some of the most frequently used abbreviations in the realm of social media:

1. POV
Abbreviating “point of view,” POV prompts viewers of a video to envision themselves in the described scenario. It provides a succinct and intriguing context to a video. For instance, a video captioned “POV: You have no more chores to do” suggests imagining oneself in that context.

2. FYP
Short for “For You Page,” FYP represents TikTok’s personalised recommendation feed. It displays content it believes you’ll enjoy based on your preferences. Every TikTok creator aspires to have their videos featured on the FYP, as indicated by the popularity of the #FYP hashtag.

3. IYKYK
“IYKYK” stands for “if you know, you know.” This abbreviation is employed for inside jokes or references understandable only to specific individuals, typically without further explanation.

4. GRWM
Abbreviating “get ready with me,” GRWM is commonly used on TikTok for videos showcasing creators preparing for the day, whether it be for errands, events, or dates.

5. DM
A “DM” denotes a direct message sent on a social media platform, facilitating private communication between users away from public posts and comments.

6. #F4F and #L4L

F4F, or “follow for follow,” and #L4L, or “like for like,” are hashtags used to indicate a user’s request for reciprocal actions – either a follow or a like – after engaging with their content.

7. RT
On X (formerly Twitter), “RT” signifies a retweet, sharing someone else’s tweet. Although the terms “tweet” and “retweet” were technically retired post-X’s rebranding in 2023, users still commonly employ them.

8. ATP and ATM
ATP, or “at this point,” and ATM, or “at the moment,” are abbreviations frequently found in social media captions and comments, conveying the present moment.

9. FW
“FW” stands for “f*** with,” indicating endorsement or rejection of something based on personal preference.

10. IKTR
“IKTR” means “I know that’s right,” expressing agreement or relatability with a statement or situation.

11. ICYMI
Popular on X, ICYMI, or “in case you missed it,” serves to bring followers up to speed on events or content they may have overlooked.

12. IJS
“IJS” stands for “I’m just saying,” often appended to posts expressing unpopular opinions or differing views.

13. IMO/IMHO
IMO (“in my opinion”) and IMHO (“in my honest opinion”) are abbreviations used when expressing one’s viewpoint, often added as a disclaimer anticipating potential disagreement.

14. OOMF
“OOMF” translates to “one of my followers,” used on X to reference a follower without revealing their identity.

15. TBH/TBQH
TBH (“to be honest”) and TBQH (“to be quite honest”) are informal abbreviations employed in various contexts, including opinions, hot takes, and admissions.

16. FRFR
“FRFR” means “for real for real,” an informal way to emphasize sincerity or agreement.

17. BFFR
“BFFR” is short for “be for f***ing real,” employed to assert disagreement or disbelief.

18. WCW and MCM
WCW (“Woman Crush Wednesday”) and MCM (“Man Crush Monday”) are used to showcase admiration for women on Wednesdays and men on Mondays, respectively.

19. TBT and FBF
TBT (“Throwback Thursday”) and FBF (“Flashback Friday”) involve sharing old memories or posts on Thursdays and Fridays, accompanied by the respective hashtags.

20. OOTD and OOTN
OOTD (“outfit of the day”) and OOTN (“outfit of the night”) showcase daily and nightly attire, respectively.

21. HT
“HT” stands for “hat tip,” used to give thanks or credit to the source of shared information.

22. IG
“IG” is an abbreviation for Instagram, referencing an account or the platform itself.

23. PM
“PM” is the abbreviation for private message, allowing private conversations on social media.

24. TL;DR
“TL;DR” stands for “too long; didn’t read,” often used in response to lengthy posts or provided before a summary.

25. FOMO
“FOMO” (“fear of missing out”) expresses the anxiety of missing something important or exciting, often triggered by online discussions. Strategies exist to alleviate FOMO when using social media.

Keeping up with social media slang can be challenging. An evolving dictionary might be beneficial to stay current with the latest terms. This guide aims to enhance your understanding of social media lingo, ensuring you don't experience FOMO during your online adventures.