\We live in a world that is overwhelmingly focused on quick communication. This results in text messages, emails, and IMs that consist not just of a few words, but abbreviations. Shortening words and phrases into just a few letters may save you a few milliseconds, but they also make you sound uninterested and disingenuous.
These are the 12 words and phrases people lose IQ points by using, even though they gain just a few free moments.
1. Ty - Thank You
Did I do something that you appreciate? Did I make you cookies or spend money on your favorite coffee? Did I take more than 2 seconds out of my day to help you out? Then thank me. Properly. Give that extra moment to show you genuinely are grateful.
2. Yw - You’re Welcome
Same idea with this one. If you really mean it, say it. You may, however, receive a sarcastic yw from me if I’ve received #1 from you.
3. ily - I Love You
Do you know what love is? Obviously not. If you love someone, TELL them. Don’t hint, don’t abbreviate. I love you. Three words. Eight letters. Infinitely worth your time to type out.
4. Smh - Shaking My Head
I’m going to be honest - I had no idea what this meant until a few weeks ago. Guys- this isn’t a sound effect. It’s an abbreviation. And it makes you sound ridiculous.
5. Bc - Because
Alright- I’ll give this one to you. It’s a little more understandable and commonly used. However, it still annoys those of us who appreciate a well-written text. At least you can’t misspell it.
6. Ttyl - Talk To You Later
Again, this one is so widely used it’s become acceptable. Appropriate for use with a close friend, but disingenuous as hell.
7. Wya - Where You At
Here’s the first in a line of ‘new’ abbreviations. Call me traditional, but I feel like my little sister and I speak different languages. Are you really going to save time if you have to explain what you mean? What happened to “Where are you?” I get it - I’m getting old.
8. Wyd - What You Doing
Wyd, wya, smh. Is this the military? Or just the youth?
9. Omw - On My Way
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This is the message you send when you’re already in the driveway. Definitely not appropriate for all situations.
10. Js - Just Sayin
Js was made to be used in arguments and insults. I can hear my little sister and her friends' snarky remarks followed my “Jus’ sayin’” whenever I receive this in a message.
11. Jw - Just Wondering
Since when is this even necessary? Type it out. Swype makes things quick and relatively painless.
12. GM - Good Morning
Lazy. Lazy. Lazy. Need I say it again? These things are so easy to actually say. You’re second saving acronyms make you sound dumb, lazy, and uninterested.
Okay, okay. I’m being a grumpy old lady. If you understand this texting language, use it. Please understand that it has it’s place. When you use it in an email or to a colleague or superior it knocks your IQ points down quickly. If you love someone, tell them with real words. If you really appreciate something, make sure you accurately portray your gratitude.
