With the invention of text messaging and humanity's eternal quest for efficiency and speed, acronyms have become enormously popular in modern-day culture. And sometimes people can become lost in the sauce of acronym jargon. Even as a millennial it feels like the list of acronyms never ends, leading me to often miscommunicate with people.
For example last week, I just learned that DIY means Do It Yourself, not Did It Yesterday. So now I know why my parents were so pissed at me all the time when they would text me things like, "Call grandma and thank her for the birthday card," or, "Can you clean your room"
And if it's hard for me, I can't even imagine what it must be like for parents out there that didn't grow up with this nonsense. But fortunately for those lost souls, I have put together a list of definitions for everyday acronyms along with proper contexts to use them in. That way you can both be "hip" and know when your youngsters are up to shenanigans
TTYL: Talk To Yourself, Listen.
This is best used when people ask for advice. There is often no advice that you can give through text message that would be of any real use to people. But you can never go wrong by telling someone to listen to their heart. So if a sibling or friend asks about relationship advice just reply, "You know what to do, ttyl." Most likely they will reply, "what?" But that is just them trying to grapple with the prospect of internal reflection, which is often a scary thing to do.
IDGAF: If Death Grimaced At Feelings
This alludes to an ancient proverb about how the grim reaper fears love, and often kills those who are very loved and full of love. Thus, "If Death Grimaced At Feelings"... He would take me now because of all the love I feel.
It's a really beautiful expression of love and happiness. So it's a great acronym to reply with when someone thanks you for something or says "I love you."
BAE: Buyer of Anything and Everything
This is one you want to look out for, parents. Kids think they are clever by using this acronym as a pet name for a "girlfriend" or "boyfriend," but really it is code for someone who will get them whatever illegal substances that tickle their fancy. If your kid says they have a BAE, promptly slap them across the face and wonder where you went wrong as a parent.
FML: For My Lover
This one is a great hashtag to put at the end of posts on Twitter or Facebook about your significant other.
i.e. Just purchased tickets to Justin Bieber for me and the gf #fml
LMAO: Love Must Always Overcome
This is one used typically for supporting someone when they are going through rough times. It's a beautiful message and can be just what someone needs who recently had a loved one pass away.
So go out there and engage with those gosh darn millennials. Now GTFO (Get The Fun On)
