Texting now seems to be the preferred method of communication for multiple generations. Thanks to mobile phones and tablets there are now numerous ways to stay in touch with our friends and family.
Most of us use some sort of messaging system, whether it is Whatsapp, Facebook messenger or similar, and with this a new language has been born. This new language can be rather confusing to some of us, as the younger generation tend to use a mix of acronyms and emojis (images) to express themselves.
Therefore, we have made a short list for you to be able to decode some of your grandchildren’s texts, or even to impress them and show them that you too can be cool!!
BRB - if you receive this, your first reaction is to think it’s a typo but no, it's not, it actually means “be right back”.
IDK - a favourite amongst teenagers when they don’t feel like going into detail - “I don’t know”.
LOL - probably the most popular text acronym, which has found its way into the mainstream vernacular. It means “laugh out loud”.
HAK or XOXO - usually either one of these come at the end of a conversation as our loved ones are signing off, it means you are being sent “hugs and kisses”.
TMI - be careful of sharing any of your ailments in too much detail as you might get this as a response, which means “too much information”.
BTW - again a very common acronym when you're texting and want to add something of importance to a conversation, this means ”by the way”.
GTG or BFN - when it’s time to crack on with their homework and put their phones away you will get this, which means "got to go" or “bye for now”.
SYS - it has been tough for older people not being able to spend time with their grandchildren recently, so this is one you will be looking forward to receiving, it means “see you soon".
There are many many more acronyms as well as emojis that can be added to text conversations, so encourage your grandchildren to explain ones you are not familiar with. We can learn a great deal from the younger generation IMO - "in my opinion"!