The short-form language of text abbreviations and social media can sometimes be confusing. Many people prefer keeping their texts brief, using just a few letters to convey a message. These acronyms are primarily used on social media platforms and for instant messaging.
However, not everyone understands the lingo. An analysis of 2026 Google search data has revealed the most searched texting abbreviations in South Africa.
- TBH (22,100 searches): to be honest.
- SMH (21,900 searches): shake my head.
- PMO (21,400 searches): “pisses me off” or “put me on.”
- POV (19,700 searches): point of view.
- ETA (17,400 searches): estimated time of arrival.
- FML (16,300 searches): f--k my life.
- FWB (15,800 searches): friends with benefits.
- HMU (15,300 searches): hit me up.
- ISTG (14,400 searches): I swear to God.
- NGL (13,800 searches): not going to lie.
- WYD (12,900 searches): what are you doing?
- LOML (12,800 searches): love of my life.
- WYLL (11,700 searches): what do you look like?
- WYF (11,200 searches): where are you from?
- FAFO (10,600 searches): f--k around and find out.
- WFH (8,500 searches): work from home.
- WSG (8,100 searches): what’s good?
- ICYMI (6,300 searches): in case you missed it.
The research was conducted between January 1 and March 30 by word-finding experts at unscramblerer.com.
“The list of the most confusing South African text abbreviations is always changing,” a spokesperson at Unscramblerer said.
They highlighted that some abbreviations change in meaning over time. An example is PMO, where the mainstream meaning shifted from “put me on” to “pisses me off”.
“It is fascinating that social media trends can easily change the mainstream meaning of an acronym in a short time. Keep in mind that the meaning of an acronym can change depending on the community it is used in.”
The experts stressed that context is always important when using acronyms. However, they also warned that using them can be perceived as showing a lack of effort.
“Acronyms are an effective, lazy, and cool way to communicate. Context truly matters when using shortcuts in conversations.
“As a result, senders come across as less sincere. The perceived low effort leads to fewer replies, shorter responses, and reduced engagement overall. This effect holds true regardless of age (including younger people who use abbreviations the most) and familiarity with the sender.
“Spelling words out shows that you are invested in the conversation. People notice this.”
TimesLIVE
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