#internet-slang

#internet-slang

Gone are the days when everything we say is written out in full. Some of it started when we had to type a number four times just to get an "S," but even since we've got normal keyboards on phones, text and social media abbreviations are used everywhere. It's just a much faster way of communicating in the world that we live in now.

Cambridge Dictionary says the term is mainly used when admitting something that might be embarrassing, or when someone is trying to tone down a criticism or complaint so it is less likely to offend the subject. It conveys a similar meaning as saying, "to be honest," "if I'm being honest" or "honestly" when delivering an opinion. The website uses examples including, "Ngl, I was staring at his photo for about half an hour," and "That was tough, ngl."