How to abbreviate online

It started with shortening words to type faster by using fewer characters, but has now spread to Twitter, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and whatever the latest thing is.

Since abbreviations and acronyms can make it hard to communicate if you don't know, or can't quite work out, what people are saying, here's some help.

AFAIK: As far as I know. Use it when you're not sure or are guessing. Who can tell?

ATM: At the moment. Usually, your status, as in "I'm picking up groceries at Albertsons ATM."

Facepalm: When you see or hear of someone doing something incredibly idiotic, you drop your head and put your face in the palm of your hand. Typing the hashtag #facepalm shows disbelief, dismay, ridicule or disappointment.

FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out. Fear of missing out on a promotion, a concert, a new phone, a vacation, just about anything.

FTFY: Fixed That For You. Use FTFY either literally or sarcastically.

HTH: Hope this helps. Use it when offering advice or solutions, also used sarcastically. But you'd never do that.

ICYMI: In Case You Missed It. Use ICYMI when you don't know if someone already knows a particular thing or if you're repeating something you may have said before.

IIRC: If I remember correctly. Use it even when you're sure you're right, but you don't want to appear a know-it-all.

IMO / IMHO: In My Opinion / In My Humble Opinion. Someone is letting you know that whatever follows is just their opinion. It can also be sarcastic if the person doesn't have a humble opinion.

JSYK: Just So You Know. The new FYI (For Your Information). Since FYI has crossed over into our spoken language, I suppose it must be time to move on to a new thing?

Meme: The word meme is pre-internet and originally referred to cultural elements passed down from one generation to another. A meme could be a song, an image or an idea. Online, a meme is usually an image or short video that people copy, alter and pass on.

NVM: Never mind. Usually used when asking someone to disregard your last message.

SMH: Shaking My Head. SMH is a reaction to someone doing or saying something you find exceptionally dumb.

TIL: Today I Learned. Not new information, but new to you and shared with a #TIL hashtag.

TLDR: Too Long; Didn't Read. Sometimes there's too much information or too much detail to absorb. Often used as an excuse for not reading something. Authors also use TLDR as a summary section of a long paper or article.

YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary. Just because I liked a place or a thing, it doesn't mean you will, too.

*$: Starbucks. Text *$ to someone, and they'll know you want to meet at Starbucks.

Senior messaging

After giving up their flip phones for smartphones, the elderly couple had finally figured how to send and receive messages on their new phones.

Being a romantic at heart, the wife decided one day that she'd send her husband a text while she was out of the house having coffee with a friend.

She texted:

If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile. If you are eating, send me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you.

The husband, being a no-nonsense sort of guy, texted back:

I'm on the toilet. Please advise.

Do you have a computer or technology question? Greg Cunningham has been providing Tehachapi with on-site PC and network services since 2007. Email Greg at [email protected].