Got a text that reads like a code? Paste it below and this free decoder highlights every abbreviation, slang word and emoji, then explains what each one means and the tone behind it. It knows 306 terms, from everyday texting (smh, wyd, hmu) to Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang (rizz, delulu, cooked) and emoji like 💀 and 😭.
Look up a word or browse the dictionary
Runs in your browser with a built-in dictionary of 306 terms. Nothing you paste is sent or saved.
How to use the slang decoder
- Paste a whole message: the decoder highlights each term in yellow and explains it underneath.
- Dotted underlines mark words that are slang only sometimes, like “bet”, “cap” or “mid”. Read the sentence to decide which meaning fits.
- Check the tone label: the same letters can be friendly between close friends and rude from a stranger.
- Search one word in the dictionary box, or browse by category: texting, Gen Z, dating, work, gaming, emoji and more.
The most searched texting abbreviations
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| bet | OK, deal, sounds good. |
| brb | Be right back. |
| btw | By the way. |
| bussin | Really good, usually about food. |
| cap | A lie or exaggeration ("that's cap"). 🧢 means the same. |
| delulu | Delusional, usually jokingly about unrealistic hopes ("delulu is the solulu"). |
| dm | Direct message: a private message on Instagram, X, TikTok and similar apps. "Dm me" means message me privately. |
| fomo | Fear of missing out. |
| fr | For real: "seriously" or "I agree". |
| fyi | For your information. |
| gg | Good game: said at the end of a match; sarcastically, "it's over". |
| ghosted | Suddenly stopped replying with no explanation. |
| goat | Greatest of all time. 🐐 means the same. |
| gtg | Got to go. |
| hbd | Happy birthday. |
| hbu | How about you? |
| hmu | Hit me up: contact me, text me, or invite me. |
| hru | How are you? |
| idk | I don't know. |
| ikr | I know, right? Strong agreement. |
| ily | I love you. |
| imo | In my opinion. |
| imsg | iMessage, Apple's messaging app. "Imsg me" means text me on iMessage; "wanna play imsg?" means play iMessage games such as GamePigeon. |
| irl | In real life (as opposed to online). |
| istg | I swear to God: frustration or insisting something is true. |
| iykyk | If you know, you know: an inside joke or reference only some people will get. |
| jk | Just kidding. |
| lmao | Laughing my a** off: something is really funny. |
| lmk | Let me know. |
| lol | Laughing out loud. Often just means "that's funny" or softens a message. |
| lowkey | Secretly, a little, or quietly ("lowkey want to go"). |
| mb | My bad: a quick apology. |
| mid | Mediocre, average, not that good. |
| ngl | Not gonna lie: introduces an honest opinion or admission. |
| no cap | No lie, for real. |
| nvm | Never mind. |
| omg | Oh my God: surprise or excitement. |
| omw | On my way. |
| ong | On God: "I swear, I'm serious". |
| pov | Point of view; on TikTok it sets up a scene from the viewer's perspective. |
| rizz | Charm or flirting skill (from "charisma"). "Rizz someone up" means flirt with them. |
| rn | Right now. |
| situationship | A romantic connection that's more than friends but not an official relationship. |
| slay | Did amazingly well; looks great. |
| smh | Shaking my head: disappointment, disbelief or mild annoyance. |
| sus | Suspicious or shady. |
| tbh | To be honest. |
| ttyl | Talk to you later. |
| ty | Thank you. |
| wbu | What about you? |
| wdym | What do you mean? |
| wya | Where you at? Where are you? |
| wyd | What (are) you doing? Late at night it can be a flirty "are you free?". |
| wym | What (do) you mean? |
| 💀 | "I'm dead": something is so funny, or so embarrassing, it "killed" me. |
| 😭 | Usually laughing so hard you're crying; sometimes real sadness. |
For parents: reading your teen’s texts
Most teen slang is harmless and changes fast: words like “skibidi”, “sigma” or “6 7” are jokes that often mean nothing at all. A few terms deserve attention. “Kms” and “unalive” can be exaggeration, but they can also be a real signal, and “kys” is always a harmful insult. If you see them, ask calmly and listen.
If you or someone you know may be in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US, 24/7), or call 911 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
What does imsg mean in a text?
Imsg means iMessage, Apple’s messaging app. “Imsg me” means text me on iMessage, and “wanna play imsg?” means play iMessage games such as GamePigeon. Full guide: What does imsg mean?
Why does the same abbreviation have two meanings?
Some do. “Np” usually means no problem but can mean “now playing”, and “pos” can mean “parent over shoulder” or an insult. The decoder lists both where it matters; the surrounding words usually make it clear.
Is my message uploaded or saved?
No. The decoder runs entirely in your browser with a built-in dictionary. Nothing you paste is sent anywhere or stored.
A word is missing. Can you add it?
Yes. Slang moves fast, and we update the dictionary regularly. Use our contact page to suggest a term and where you saw it.
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