15 English abbreviations you need to know

Everyone loves a bit of code, and acronyms and abbreviations are great little tools that make communication faster and more fun. They’re commonly seen across English communication, from abbreviations used in text messages to professional emails. We’ll get into the examples you’ll encounter soon. But first, a quick cheat sheet.

What are abbreviations and how are they used?

• Abbreviations are shortened versions of words and sometimes end in a period (for example, accomm. for accommodation or adj. for adjective).

How do abbreviations differ from acronyms and initialisms?

• Acronyms are pronounceable, so you read them out as if they’re a name, and are formed by using the first letter of each word in a phrase (such as NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

• An initialism is when the word is pronounced letter by letter, such as the UN (the United Nations). (Fun fact – “the” is usually added before an initialism but not an acronym, as in “I’m an interpreter at the UN,” or “I have an interview at NASA.”)

Let’s dive into the abbreviations

1. RSVP – Please reply

As with so much of English, this comes from French. RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plait”. You’ll see this request on invitations to weddings and other parties. And yes, please do reply – that way, the bride or host knows exactly how many salmon fillets to order.

Abbreviation in action: Thank you for the invite to your wedding! I’ll RSVP soon, I just need to check with work to get the time off.

2. ASAP – As soon as possible

“Can you get this in ASAP?” reads the email from your boss. Depending on the project, this may or may not cause panic – but in any case, you don’t have much time to think!

Abbreviation in action: I’m sorry I haven’t replied to your invite yet, I’ll get back to you ASAP!

3. AM/PM – Before midday (morning) and after midday (afternoon)

There’s a huge difference between 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon — and these little terms have it covered. Remember, don’t use them if you use 24-hour time (6 AM is the same as 18:00), and be careful to set your alarm correctly. A “morning” alarm that goes off at 7 PM doesn’t help anyone!

Abbreviation in action: The meeting is starting at 11 AM, please bring your laptops.

4. LMK – Let me know

Casual, friendly — perfect for the end of a text. LMK shows that you are expecting confirmation or more information.

Abbreviation in action: I can’t wait for brunch in yours on Saturday! Can I bring anything, like fresh pastries? LMK.

5. BRB – Be right back

Sometimes when chatting, something demands our attention: be it the doorbell, a cat wanting to be let out, or an irresistible caffeine​ craving. Don’t sweat it — just let your friend know you’ll BRB.

Abbreviation in action: BRB, I need to answer the door.

6. DOB – Date of birth

“What IS my DOB?” you might have wondered the first time you saw this. After all, it does sound like a poorly chosen item of clothing or a foul type of medicine. Well, rest assured you do have a DOB — we all do. You probably celebrate yours each year with far too much cake, ice cream, and requisite silly hats.

Abbreviation in action: By the way, what’s your DOB? We’re making a spreadsheet with everyone’s birthdays in the office.

7. CC/BCC – Carbon copy/blind carbon copy

Although they refer to the age of email, these terms take their names from the analog years, when copies were made using carbon paper. Quick etiquette tip: when adding people to the CC email field, remember they “can clearly” see who else has received the email. (And don’t “reply all” unless you really want to!)

Abbreviation in action: Let me introduce you to Jonny, our new press officer. He’s CC’d on this email, please give him access to the shared drive.

8. TBA/TBC – To be announced/To be confirmed

Remember your friend whose wedding invitation you need to RSVP ASAP to? Be careful if it says venue TBA or groom TBC. It means she doesn’t have everything organized just yet!

Abbreviation in action: Hi all! I’m having a housewarming on the 10th of January, please save the date. The start time is still TBC, I’ll let you know shortly.

9. ETA – Estimated time of arrival

“See you on Tuesday, ETA 9 PM.” You might see this when someone is traveling but is unsure of when their flight gets in.

Abbreviation in action: I’m running late, my new ETA is 7:15 PM.

10. TGIF – Thank God it’s Friday

Sung by workers worldwide each Friday afternoon — the weekend is here!

Abbreviation in action: TGIF guys, I can’t wait for the weekend!

11. FOMO – Fear of missing out

And with the weekend can come some pretty serious FOMO. Imagine: You’ve been invited out but don’t feel like going. But, at the same time, you know it’ll be fun and that you may regret not going. So you agonize over what to do.

Abbreviation in action: I don’t think I can go to the EF Disco this weekend but I have such FOMO, I hear they’re the best!

12. IMO – In my opinion (or IMHO – In my humble opinion)

We’ve all got a few opinions. This is how you can express them.

Abbreviation in action: IMO, learning a new language is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and it was so worth it.

13. N/A – Not available/Not applicable

Use this when filling out a form to show that a particular section doesn’t apply to you.

Abbreviation in action: I checked their application, but some sections were marked as N/A — we may need to follow up in person.

14. AKA – Also known as

This little beauty is used to refer to someone or something by another name — often a nickname, such as how your bro (might) refer to his newborn baby (“This is Eddie, aka ‘The poop machine'”), or how Chile refers to a much-loved footballer, Alexis Sanchez, aka ‘El Niño Maravilla’.

Abbreviation in action: Hello, it’s Sophie, AKA your favorite niece.

15. DIY – Do it yourself

People who are interested in completing tasks themselves rather than hiring professionals (aka DIY-ers) exist in all walks of life. From fixing electronics and upholstering furniture to completely renovating their homes, as you can imagine, DIY projects can result in as many great successes as horrible messes!

Abbreviation in action: Thank you for signing up for the DIY Christmas wreathe workshop!

English abbreviations in your day-to-day

Now you’re equipped with shortcuts that make communication faster and more fun. Whether you’re hoping to improve your written English or sound more fluent when you speak, these abbreviations will help you sound like a seasoned English speaker in no time.

Practice using them in your messages, emails, and conversations — you'll be amazed at how naturally they’ll become part of your language toolkit. Happy learning, and may you find the perfect moments to use these little language hacks!