English abbreviations are established ways of expressing a concept, phrase or, for example, a unit of measurement in a shorter form. Many are formed from the initial letters of a phrase, such as FYI (for your information) and OOO (out of office).
Some abbreviations are accepted, established terms in written language, whereas others are colloquial and more commonly used in spoken language. The latter are particularly common on social media and in messaging.
This article introduces typical English abbreviations that you might come across at work or in your free time.
Why is it worth knowing English abbreviations?
Abbreviations are used in both formal language and informal texts, such as on social media and in instant messaging. Some abbreviations are so well established that they are also commonly used in spoken language.
By learning to recognise common English abbreviations, you can better understand both written and spoken English, both at work and in your free time. Once you know how to use abbreviations, you can avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively and fluently.
Most common English abbreviations in the workplace
Emails and instant messages at work are full of abbreviations. Here are a few common abbreviations used in workplace communication:
- FYI = for your information
“Just FYI.” = just so you know - TBA = to be announced/agreed
“Agenda: TBA” = the agenda will be announced later
(also TBC = to be confirmed and TBD = to be decided/determined) - OOO = out of office (away from work, unavailable or on holiday)
I’ll be OOO for the next two weeks. = I’ll be away for the next two weeks. - ICYMI = in case you missed it
ICYMI, here’s a recording.
= In case you missed it (e.g. a meeting), here’s a recording. - AFAIK = as far as I know
AFAIK, the shipment hasn’t arrived. = As far as I know, the shipment hasn’t arrived. - EOD = end of day (by the end of the working day)
I will get back to you (by) EOD. = I will get back to you by the end of the working day. - CC = carbon copy, a copy of an email
Also used as a verb:
Please cc me when you send her an email. = Please include me as a CC recipient when you send her an email.
Read more about learning business English: Polish up your business English with an app!
English abbreviations on social media
Did you see a funny video on social media but didn’t understand the strange combination of letters in the caption?
English abbreviations on social media are a whole different story. New ones are popping up so quickly that it can be hard to keep up. These abbreviations are often written in lower-case letters.
Have you come across any of these abbreviations before?
- iykyk = if you know, you know (usually used to refer to a shared experience or inside information)
- idk = I don’t know
- tbh = to be honest
- ngl = not gonna lie, “NGL, that was impressive.”
- pov = point of view (often used at the beginning of a video or caption to put the viewer in a particular perspective)
- tfw = The feeling when…
- atm = at the moment
- dw = don’t worry
- wdym = what do you mean?
- fr = for real
More English abbreviations to learn
Some English abbreviations originate from Latin. It is not always easy to work out their meaning from the letters that make up the abbreviation.
- etc. = et cetera (and so on)
- i.e. = id est (in other words / that is to say)
- e.g. = exempli gratia (for example)
- N.B. = nota bene (please note / note in particular)
- a.m./p.m. = ante meridiem / post meridiem (before noon and after noon)
- 10 a.m. = 10 o’clock in the morning, 2 p.m. = 2 o’clock in the afternoon
Read more about short forms in English!
