Integrated social networking and instant messaging systems are extremely popular in today’s world. Many businesses have implemented instant messaging systems, allowing their employees to communicate without having to pick up the phone or leave their workspace. Over the years, various short-hand terms have developed to facilitate online communication. Here are just a few of the most common short-hand terms and their literal significance.

LOL : laugh out loud

ROFL : roll on floor laughing

BRB : be right back

AFK : away from keyboard

THX : thanks / thank you

TTYL : talk to you later

YW : you’re welcome

GTG : go to go

SRY: sorry

NP : no problem

Being proficient with these terms will not only help in communicating over the Internet, but also being able to understand instant messages written in short-hand.