FFS, ICL: Illinois’ Most Googled Text Abbreviations In 2025
We all have our moments when we just don't get something. Most of us are pretty reluctant to admit that we don't understand something that we're reading, but sooner or later you're going to receive a text message or DM that contains an acronym or abbreviation that you just don't understand. And that's where Google comes in for so many of us.
Over the years, I've had some trouble trying to figure out the meanings of some acronyms that I found in text messages, so I've reached out for help. The one I'm most embarrassed about was when I had helped a friend with something and he texted me two letters: Ty.
I looked to my younger and far hipper daughter for explanation, and she rolled her eyes and said "Thank you. He's saying thank you. C'mon, dad."
How stupid of me. I should have realized that typing out two letters rather than eight letters was such an incredible time-saver.
As I Said, If You've Been Forced To Google Text Acronyms To Figure Out What Someone Is Saying, You Are Not Alone--Especially Here In Illinois
A website that knows a thing or two about letters and what their placement means decided to do a deep dive on the text acronyms and/or abbreviations that people are Googling the most.
Text abbreviations are the secret language of the internet. You could even call them an integral part of social media culture. Snappy, always changing and hard to understand. Texting abbreviations is all about saving time and appearing cool. Keeping up to date with the newest trending abbreviations is no easy task.
Old meanings can change while new abbreviations are created. A recent study found that abbreviations might not be as cool as people think. Using abbreviations makes the sender seem less sincere. This also leads to lower engagement and shorter responses.
Let's Take A Look At The Text Acronyms That Illinois Residents Have Googled The Most To Find Out What They Mean
According to Unscrambler.com, these are Illinois' top ten, along with their actual meanings:
Top 10 most searched for text abbreviations in Illinois:
1. PMO - Put me on.
2. OTP - One true pairing.
3. ICL - I Can't Lie.
4. ATP - At this point.
5. NFS - New friends.
6. WYF - Where are you from.
7. TS - Talk soon.
8. WTW - What's the word.
9. WYLL - What you look like.
10. FFS - For f--k's sake.
And here are the top 25 most Googled text abbreviations from across the country, along with the meaning and number of searches for each:
1. FAFO (254 000 searches) - F--k around and find out.
2. SMH (166 000 searches) - Shake my head.
3. PMO (101 000 searches) - Put me on.
4. OTP (95 000 searches) - One true pairing.
5. TBH (93 000 searches) - To be honest.
6. ATP (85 000 searches) - At this point.
7. TS (79 000 searches) - Talk soon.
8. WYF (76 000 searches) - Where are you from.
9. NFS (75 000 searches) - New friends.
10. ASL (65 000 searches) - As hell.
11. POV (63 000 searches) - Point of view.
12. WYLL (59 000 searches) - What you look like.
13. FS (58 000 searches) - For sure.
14. FML (56 000 searches) - F--k my life.
15. DW (55 000 searches) - Don't worry.
16. HMU (54 000 searches) - Hit me up.
17. ISO (53 000 searches) - In search of.
18. WSG (50 000 searches) - What's good?
19. IMO (48 000 searches)- In my opinion.
20. MK (45 000 searches) - Mmm, okay.
21. ETA (40 000 searches) - Estimated time of arrival.
22. ICL (37 000 searches) - I Can't Lie.
23. MB (37 000 searches) - My bad.
24. STG (29 000 searches) - Swear to god.
25. ION (28 000 searches) - In other media.