Slang is a specific type of informal language that we use used in our conversation. It is generally used in the context of new technologies. People use chat slang in instant messaging, chat rooms, emails, social media posts, or other forms of digital communication.
Today, in this post, we will be learning about some of the most popularly used slang abbreviations like:
- OFC
- WAP
- LMAO
- SMH
- AF
- SOZ
- OPT
- CTFU
- LOL
- ROFL
What does OFC, WAP, LMAO, SMH, AF, SOZ, OPT, CTFU, LOL, ROFL mean?
1] OFC – Of Course
This is one of the most commonly used expressions in any conversation. People write OFC when they don’t want to type the entire phrase Of Course. You can use this slang in both lower case and upper case, it means the same either way. Not just the chats, you can use them even in your tweets, comments, or even the status updates on the social media channels. However, using slang in email is not considered professional.
2] WAP – Wet Ass Pu*sy
If you ask anyone for the WAP abbreviation, you probably may get the answer- Wireless Access Protocol but when it is about the chat slang, WAP stands for a sexually explicit term Wet Ass Pus*y. People also use it to insult someone who is a coward. This slang was introduced by the singer Cardi B.
3] LMAO – Laughing My Ass Off
This abbreviation is used when there is something very funny in the conversation. As we know the slang abbreviations and the emojis make our conversation more expressive and interesting, no matter you are actually laughing or not but when you use LMAO in your chat, it means that you’ve found something funny. If there is something extremely funny, you can also add in F in between which makes it LMFAO (laughing my fu****g ass off).
4] SMH – Shaking My Head
Shake my head or Shaking my head is commonly used to express disbelief, embarrassment, shock, disgust, or disappointment. For example, if you are walking around and you hear someone say, ‘I haven’t taken a bath in six days, you will turn your head in disgust. Similarly, if you read any such message in a chatbox, you can use SMH (Shaking my head). There are actually not too many rules for this phrase and you can also use it jokingly to tease someone in chat.
5] AF – As F**k
This slang is used particularly to emphasize something, both in a good or bad way. For example, you can say, ‘She is crazy AF’ or you can say, ‘You are dumb AF’. Again, there are no specific rules on this slang and you can use it in any of such situations where you want to put an emphasis on something.
6] SOZ – Slang for sorry
SOZ is a chat slang for saying sorry. This can either be an apologetic sorry or even a sarcastic sorry. Although, it makes absolutely no sense to replace rry with z. But, for some reason, people don’t want to type OK and write just K in a chat conversation.
7] OTP – One True Pairing
Usually, we term OTP as One Time Password but in chat lingo, OTP means One True Pairing. There are many other full forms of the abbreviation OTP but in chat, it is used to refer to a beautiful couple or a pair. It actually signifies someone’s favorite fictional romantic relationship. One True Pairing basically is a couple that is perfect for each other.
8] CTFU – Cracking The F**k Up
Cracking the f**k up, in chat lingo is used to express laughter and fun in the conversation. Some people also term it as Cheer The F**k Up which is normally used to cheer up someone who is upset. It is basically the same as LOL (laugh out loud) or LMAO (Laughing my ass off) but used mostly for an unexpected laugh. People use it when they want to express a sudden burst of laughter. An example of using CFTU would be –“Omg, did that guy is srsly funny? CTFU!”
9] LOL – Laughing out loud
This is actually the most common slang used to express laughter. Now laughter obviously has different intensities right? LOL is the basic one. You may use it in the place of writing HaHaHa. So you should use LOL when there is some obvious joke or a very casual funny moment unlike with that of LMAO where you are laughing your ass off or ROFL where you are literally rolling on the floor laughing.
10] ROFL – Rolling On The Floor Laughing
Remember in our childhood we used to laugh out so loud that we would end up rolling on the floor, that’s what ROFL means. If you find something that funny in a chat conversation, you can use ROFL. These slang abbreviations literally help us express our feeling, or else how will someone assume how hard you are laughing. Thus, we have a different slang for each level of laughing- LOL, ROFL, LMAO, CFTU.
Related: What does TTYL, BRB, YMMV, BUMP, IRL, TLDR, TMI, WBK, Squad, BAE mean?
Is LMAO an insult?
No, it’s not. Sometimes people may mistake it with the word Lamo which is a slang insult for someone seen as pathetic, boring, or worthless.
Is saying SOZ rude?
SOZ is an informal term for Sorry but it may sound disrespectful if used in a professional or an official message or email.
Read: Facebook Text Delights – List of words and animations.
When to not use Slang Abbreviations?
When we say that these are chat slang, we mean to say that we use them in messages, emails, comments, etc. But let’s face it, we cannot use these slang abbreviations always in our text messages. Below are a few scenarios when it would be a little inappropriate to use such slang abbreviations.
- Do not use it if you don’t want to offend someone. Most of the slang abbreviations mentioned above can be offensive. Make sure that you are using them where they actually fit. Also, you cannot use such language with everyone, do not make a mistake to write WAP in your family group. Though your parents might not understand it at first instance, if they Google it, trust me you are gone.
- Don’t use chat slang where grammar or spellings are important. Do not expect a positive reply to an official email where you are writing something like- ‘SOZ for the delayed reply sir’. Chat slang or any of the short forms are considered very informal and casual and thus are not supposed to be used in your official or professional chats or emails.
- Don’t use these acronyms or chat slang with people who themselves don’t use them. They might find it offensive. Such lingo should be used only with like-minded people who very well understand that when you say ROFL, you are not actually rolling on the floor.
In today’s world where everyone is in a rush and wants a shortcut for each and everything, we don’t have time to wish a Happy Birthday properly, instead, we write HBD, GBU (Happy Birthday, God Bless You). Well, that’s the trend and I guess we have to follow the trend to keep up with the times.
