Teen texting slang has been popular since text messaging was born. As time goes by, language adapts and we find new ways to shorten or abbreviate ways to communicate what we want to say. The rate of adaption when it comes to teen slang is rapid. This is now used in everyday speech rather than just online. In orderto understand your adolescent's digital life, it is important that you can get a grasp of text talk.

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What is Text Talk?

Text speech essentially refers to the commonly used abbreviations when direct messaging on social media messaging Apps or exchanging text messages. Still, confused? We have all heard of the most common messaging abbreviations such as'LOL' referring to Laughing out Loud. Well, there are many more of these in our new all things digital environment.

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When to Use Text Talk?

Teens use text talk almost every day. This can be when they are using DMs (direct messaging) or when they are thinking of a topical Instagram caption or even when searching for a hashtag. The matter of fact is that text talk has now filtered into everyday life and it is highly likely your teen is using it.

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Emojis and Text Talk

Since the integration with mobile phones in 2010, emojis have also transformed text speeches. The use of emojis offers an additional form of expressing emotion to emphasize the context of a message. Nowadays there is an emoji to communicate almost any thought, idea, or emotion in the form of faces, objects, symbols, signs, and even flags.

The use of emojis tends to vary across generations. For example, amongst millennials, one of the most widely used emojis is meaning to be crying with laughter or the laughing crying emoji. However, as recently expressed on the popular video creating App, TikTok, Gen Z tend to shy away from this emoji as the use is considered 'old'.

Some emojis have a double or even triple meaning. An innocently created emoji can now have a completely different meaning, usually signifying something sexual.

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What Can We Take From This?

Well, certainly from the use of text talk with both abbreviations and the use of emojis, language evolves rapidly. Meaning the use of certain expressions and emojis changes every few years within generations. Why? As new words and expressions come to light, they become popular much like a new video game or must-have clothing!

Together AI wants to empower both parents and children when it comes to using messaging apps. We offer parents a sense of security so they understand what their minors are up to on social media whist empowering them to make the right choices and use the internet safely.

With that said, we have compiled a key list of commonly used text talk abbreviations and emojis along with their meanings. This will enable you to keep up with your teenager and understand the common slang when direct messaging.

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Expressing Emotions

Basic - A boring person

Bruh - Bro, used to address close friends

Cringe - To feel awkward

Deb - Very funny or embarrassing

Dope - Really cool

Fire - Amazing, 'you're on fire' = you look amazing/beautiful

Goals - To aspire towards something

Lit - Really good

LMAO - Laughing My Ass Off

Trash - Unacceptable

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Questions In Text Slang

WYA? - Where you at?

WYD? - What you doing?

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Vulgar Text Slang

DTF - Down to f**k

FBOI - F**k boy, this implies a boy who is looking for sex with multiple different partners

LMP - Lick my p***y

OMFG - Oh my f***ing god

Skeet - to ejaculate

STFU - Shut the f**k up

TK - who the f**k do you think you are

WAP - Wet ass p***y

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Relationship/Sexual Text Slang

Bae - Someone you have a crush on

Daddy - a good-looking, usually older, male

FWB - friends with benefits

Netflix and Chill - meeting to hook up

Ghosted - relationship has ended with no closures i.e ignored messages and calls after a date

Ship - relationship

Sliding into my DM - direct messaging in a flirtatious way

Smash - casually having sex

Thirsty - wanting sexual attention

Zaddy - a good-looking male of any age

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Other Commonly Used Text Slang

Bet - agreement

DM - direct messaging

Facts - to acknowledge truth in a phrase

FINSTA - to specify s fake Instagram account which is common with people copying influencer's accounts

IYKYK - If you know you know, taken from the popular American sitcom Friends

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Alternative Meaning with Emojis

🍆 - Penis

💦 - to ejaculate or become aroused

🍑 - butt or ass

🍒 - breasts

🖕- f**k you or f**k off

👉👌- to have sex

togetherAI

Here at TogetherAI, we have developed an App to help you and your family to navigate growing up in a digitalized world. We can help to understand any signs of distress of your child through online messaging as well as offer ways to empower the use of social media in a safe and secure way. Join the community today to find out more.