Text Slang :: What Is Your Child REALLY Saying?

Sure, you may monitor your teen’s phone usage and maybe even check their messages, but do you know what they are really saying? You might be surprised. Texting is a language of its own that can be really hard to decode. We did some digging {AKA asked the teens} to help decode some of the most common texting terms you may encounter.

And I’m not going to lie… As a mom, some of these terrify me.

>> Teen Text Slang … Decoded <<

Netflix & Chill :: This does NOT mean watching a movie and hanging out. When this term is used, it often means “hooking up” or a “booty call.” 

Dabbing :: Yes, it’s a popular dancing move. But, dabbing is also a form of marijuana, so if you see your teen using that word, you may want to continue digging a little deeper — just in case.

53X :: If you look at the numbers closely, they look a lot like the letters “S-E-X.”

GNOC :: Get naked on camera.

(L)MIRL :: Let’s meet in real life.

IPN :: I’m posting naked.

KMS :: Kill Myself. 

CD9 :: Code 9 means there are parents around. It’s often used when they want to tell their friends not to say anything they don’t want you to know about. 

99 :: Parent gone.

MOS :: Mom over shoulder. 

WTTP :: Want to trade pictures? Oftentimes ,they are alluding to nude pictures.

8 :: Oral sex.

ADR :: Address. It seems harmless enough, right? Not entirely.  You do not want your child sharing information like this over text message. 

Basic :: “Basic” is a term teens are using to say you are not unique or you are generic, and in this day and age when everyone is trying to stand out, it is one of the biggest insults someone can make.

While it’s both shocking and terrifying to think that your child might be using some of the acronyms above, it’s important to also note that there are harmless text shortcuts that they might be using too.  If you see any of the below, there’s no reason to be alarmed.  These are completely innocent!

BRB :: Be Right Back

B4N :: Bye For Now

FWIW :: For What It’s Worth

IMHO :: In My Humble Opinion

L8R :: Later

TKS :: Thanks

There are a few websites and apps that can help parents monitor activity on cellphones and computers. A few options include Teen Safe, Pager Duty, and Web Watcher. We love our teens and want to keep them safe; having a clue about the meaning behind their texts can help in setting and enforcing healthy boundaries. 

2 COMMENTS

  1. Can we find out if “smoothie” —as a past time of hobby has a second meaning?

    Also “empty bowl” seems like a term for goodbye when leaving an online classroom, but also seems like a drip reference

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