Internet Shorthand: English Vocabulary List

used to share information someone may have missed

"Used to share something that was missed — in case you missed it."

"In case you missed it, the company announced a new policy regarding remote work starting next month."

used to distinguish offline or face-to-face interactions from online ones

"In real life, he is very shy."

"He is very confident online but in real life he is actually quite shy and quiet."

used online to indicate someone is looking for a specific item, service, or information

"I am in search of help."

"The explorer traveled across the desert in search of the lost treasure that was hidden for centuries."

used on social media to ask viewers to like a post or content

"Used to ask for social media engagement — like my status."

"He posted the update and added like my status at the end as a joke."

used to admit something honestly or openly

"Not gonna lie, I am very tired."

"Not gonna lie, I am very tired after working all day without taking a single break."

explicit or inappropriate for viewing in professional or public settings

"Do not open that link, it is not safe for work."

"The email contained a joke that was not safe for work so I deleted it immediately before my boss saw it."

used to express surprise, shock, or excitement

"Oh my lord! That is huge!"

"Oh my lord! That is huge. I have never seen anything so big in my entire life."

used to indicate that someone is en route

"On my way. I will be there soon."

"On my way. I will be there soon. Please wait for me; do not leave without me."

a public acknowledgment or praise

"He gave a shout out to his mom."

"The musician gave a shout out to his parents during the award acceptance speech."

used as a preface to a candid or frank statement, opinion, or observation

"To be honest, I don't like it."

"To be honest I do not really like the food at that restaurant but everyone else seems to love it."

used to express a relatable emotion or situation, often humorously

"Used to introduce a relatable feeling — that feeling when."

"That feeling when you finally submit the report five minutes before the deadline."

used online to invite questions from others

"Used to invite questions from an audience — ask us anything."

"The founders opened the session with a simple ask us anything."

used online to refer to someone in your social circle

"One of my followers suggested this video."

"The celebrity noticed that one of my followers had sent her a very kind and supportive message online."

used to express happiness, affection, or cuteness; often associated with e-girls, furries, femboys, and anime fandoms

"Uwu! That is so cute!"

"Uwu! That is so cute and adorable. I just want to hug it and never let it go."

used online or in texting to ask about someone's appearance

"Used to ask someone to describe their appearance — what do you look like."

"She had never met him in person and typed what do you look like before the conference."

(TikTok) a personalized feed of recommended content and videos

"The video appeared on his for you page."

"The algorithm kept showing him videos he liked on his for you page every time he opened the app."

used online or in texting to indicate laughter

"Said when something is unexpectedly funny — I just burst out laughing."

"I just burst out laughing when the CEO's presentation slides were completely blank."

used to express disbelief, disappointment, or frustration at something stupid or frustrating

"Shaking my head. I am very disappointed."

"Shaking my head. I am very disappointed in your behavior, and I expected much better from you."

used to convey laughter, excitement, or happiness

"Sksksk! That is so funny!"

"Sksksk! That is so funny. I cannot stop laughing at this joke. It is hilarious."

used jokingly to express extreme frustration or disappointment

"An extremely harmful and serious phrase — kill myself — should never be used casually."

"Mental health professionals note that phrases like kill myself, even used casually, can be harmful to vulnerable individuals."