Text Message Symbols

Common Text Message Symbols

There are a few different ways the unique language of text messaging is created. Some text message symbols abbreviate words by leaving out vowels or replacing several letters with a single letter that has the same sound. Others are acronyms, replacing an entire sentence with the first letter of each word. This list presents some of the most commonly used abbreviations and acronyms.

Text Message Cautions

Sending text messages can be a fun and convenient way to stay in touch with your friends, flirt with a potential boyfriend or girlfriend, and keep up on the latest gossip. However, you should keep the following suggestions in mind:

• There's a time and a place for text message symbols. Make sure a "B4" or "UR" doesn't slip into your English composition or job application.
• Know when to stop texting. You should keep your cell phone in your pocket at the dinner table and resist texting your friend your thoughts on your date while you sit next to him in the movie theater.
• Enjoy the moment by being in the moment. You can get so caught up in thinking, "I have to tell ______ about this!" that you don't actually enjoy the good things right in front of you.
• Give your thumbs a rest. Repetitive motions with your wrists, hands, and fingers can lead to muscle strain and pain. If excessive texting makes your hands hurt, or your thumbs go numb, take a break. Your friends will still be there to receive your messages tomorrow.
• Beware of multi-tasking. Be careful not to take your attention away from more important things, whether studying for a test or watching your little sister. You should especially never send or read text messages while driving.
• Don't be surprised by the bill at the end of the month. Know how much each text message costs and if there are any limits. You can avoid fights with your parents if they never open a shocking cell phone bill. Even if you pay for your own cell phone, do you really want to spend all your hard-earned money from babysitting or bagging groceries on text messages?