Decoding Internet Slang

By Common Sense Media
June 14, 2007

Decoding Internet Slang


Decoding Internet Slang
Q. My kids text and instant message constantly. They use terms like "omg" or "paw" -- and roll their eyes when I ask what they\'re writing. Sometimes they even talk like that. Any tips on decoding their secret slang?

A. Kids are tough critics, and even saying the word "slang" is enough to make them roll their eyes at you -- let alone asking them what all of their acronyms stand for. Fortunately for you, there are Web sites that specialize in this. Check out our list of Internet slang translators:

Internetslang.com offers a wide variety of online shorthand. Users can search by acronym to learn the definition or peruse a long list in alphabetical order. You can also "add an acronym" by emailing the site creators.

The Internet Slang Translator is a useful tool that can be downloaded to your personal computer. For example, Google users can add this feature to their homepage to use as a quick reference.

Wikipedia.org offers an entire list of Internet Slang Phrases. Note that Wikipedia entries are user generated -- before letting your kids use the site as a resource, take a look at our review.

Learn more about setting media limits.


How do you learn what your kids are saying?

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Posted by hello10100 on 04/30/2009 (teen contributor, age 15)

ok, here is the slang we use wile were txting, (texting)

LOL- laugh out loud (thats the most common
OMG- Oh my god/Oh my gosh
LMAO- Laughing my ass of
ROFL-Rolling on the floor laughing
ROTFLLMAO- Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off (I made that up)
WTF-What the F***
ok
i cba (Cant be asked)
i dont really idk (I dont care) hope that helps!

Posted by DJDangerGirl on 04/27/2009 (teen contributor, age 14)

heres an guide to some internet slang--

omg- oh my gosh
lol- laugh out loud
rofl- rolling on floor laughing
btw- by the way
brb- be right back
gtg- gotta go
ttyl- talk 2 you later
lmao- laughing my --- off
ily- i love u
wth- what the heck
idk- i dont know
idc- i dont care