May 8, 2024

[Aroline Hanson, Ph.D.](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/aroline/)

# 16 common English acronyms every learner should know

FYI, you'll want to learn these common English acronyms ASAP!

English is filled with _acronyms—_ abbreviations formed from the initial letters of words in a phrase. Even beginners will encounter acronyms in both formal and informal conversations! You might be familiar with more acronyms than you realize, especially from text messages and social media.

Here are 16 common English acronyms you'll find everywhere!

## English acronyms for work

**_FYI_**(For your information), we'll start with FYI, which is used to send an update and can be used either at work ("FYI, I just responded to your email") or with friends ("FYI, I'll be 10 minutes late!").

Another acronym you'll see used in professional situations is _**TLDR**_, sometimes written as _TL;DR_. This stands for “Too long; didn’t read” and is used when you are faced with a long piece of writing that would require too much time to read all the way through. If your co-worker summarizes the report for you, they have _given you the TLDR_. That's helpful when you need to know the basics **_ASAP_** (as soon as possible).

At work and in your personal life, you might often interact with resources like _**FAQs**_(Frequently Asked Questions) on company websites. A list of _FAQs_ provides answers to typical questions that users or readers tend to have.

Your reward at the end of the work week is getting to use the acronym **_TGIF_**: “Thank goodness (or thank God) it’s Friday”!

## English acronyms for the weekend

Have you ever received an invitation with the acronym _**RSVP**_ on it? This acronym stands for a French phrase that asks you to please respond to the invitation: _Répondez s'il vous plaît_(literally, "Please respond"). Although _RSVP_ comes from French, it's very common in English! It’s considered good manners to _RSVP_ when requested.

Invitations for parties or [potlucks](https://blog.duolingo.com/unique-english-words/) might also say **_BYOB_**, which means “Bring your own beer” or other beverage. This is an inexpensive way to host a party and encourage people to bring something they would like to drink, alcoholic or otherwise. If you go to the store to pick up a drink for the party, you might see signs saying **_BOGO_** (Buy one, get one): If you buy one of that item, then you get a second of the same item for free. That’s a great deal!

Another acronym filled with weekend vibes is _**YOLO**_ (You only live once). Although it's been around for many decades, _YOLO_ gained popularity in the 2010s to put a modern spin on _Carpe diem_ and _Seize the day_: Take advantage of every opportunity!

## English acronyms on social media

On social media or in text messages, you might encounter acronyms like **_IYKYK_** (If you know, you know), **_IMO_** or **_IMHO_** (In my (humble) opinion), and **_FWIW_** (For what it’s worth). These can be used to share that something is an inside joke as in, “IYKYK I can’t wait to go back to that café on 5th Street,” for example, if there's something special or funny about that café. You can also use them to introduce your own perspective, especially if you think others might disagree or it might be an unpopular opinion, as in “IMO that new movie is not worth your time.”

If you follow social media accounts run by brands or businesses, you might also see the acronyms **_ICYMI_** (In case you missed it) and **_BTS_** (Behind the scenes). These are used to advertise something new, highlight updates, or help users get to know the brand better. Sometimes, celebrities, influencers, or popular companies might hold an **_AMA_** (Ask me anything), during which fans and followers are invited to submit questions.

## TLDR: English acronyms are everywhere!

These popular English acronyms are a great start for learners! It's natural to feel surprised or overwhelmed by new ones you encounter, and our advice is to respond with another favorite English acronym, **_LOL_** (laugh out loud) 🤣 There's always more to learn!