From BRB to OMG: Which Textspeak Terms Are Used the Most?

Real life blends with our internet lives so seamlessly that you may have found yourself actually speaking the abbreviations that you text out loud. “LOL, BRB,” you say, as you excuse yourself from the brunch table for a moment. 

Textspeak lets us save our typing for the major details we’re relating in our messages. And like any form of speech, it can be regional. WordTips went through 18 million geotagged tweets to find which textspeak terms are used most and where(Opens in a new window) in the United States. The results make for a unique map of the country and show how, in some ways, we’re all alike. 

First, let’s focus on what unites us, since it’s in our country’s name, after all. Nationwide, LOL is the most-used term, appearing in 1,411 out of every 100,000 tweets. It’s the most popular abbreviation even in Idaho, which is last in the nation for using shortened speech. After the LOLs, the most frequently used abbreviations in the US are BC, IDK, OMG, PPL, UR, W/, WTF, DM, and TBH. 

When it comes to what sets each state apart, some are unique. Take Rhode Island, which is the smallest state but stands out for the longest favorite abbreviation: CMON. That one isn’t found anywhere else. 

(Credit: Wordtips)

Illinois and Indiana are side-by-side TBH twins, but they share their love for the abbreviation with Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 

Speaking of love, it’s a theme that’s handled differently depending on the state. California is very demonstrative, with XO. South Dakota and West Virginia are direct, with ILY. Cowhands like to talk about their significant others, with GF in Montana and BF in Texas. 

The amount of love Americans have for shortening words in their messages varies. It would make sense for the state with the fastest-moving city to come out on top, but Georgia is where you’ll find the most abbreviations (5,942 per 100,000 tweets). Maryland is next, with 5,746. As mentioned, Idaho is last, with 2,125 per 100,000 tweets. Other states reluctant to cut what they say short are Vermont (2,154 per 100,000 tweets) and North Dakota (2,291 per 100,000 words). 

If you’re interested in how your state or even your city stacks up, use the chart below.