Most common Abbreviations in French for texting

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The twenties of this century have us on the move, glued to our phones, constantly working, reading threads, blogs, comments, and chatting on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and iMessage. Of course, it’s natural to want to send messages as efficiently and quickly as possible. This is where French abbreviations for chatting and French texting acronyms come to the rescue.

French for the internet

Many millennials and Gen Zers have created their own (French) language with informal, catchy, and short messages. These French abbreviations could help you not lose face with a young person or someone else while texting in French.

And while these internet French abbreviations may be easy for native speakers to decipher, when you are learning French as a second language, you can be completely lost when texting in French. For example, in places like social media, comment sections, and online forums, use a French that may seem completely new to you. That’s because talking online is so different from talking in person or email. Online French is casual and personal, using a lot of slang and even pop culture references. Before you jump into the laid-back world of French online, remember that there are a lot of swear words in internet slang, and sometimes words are misspelled or used by mistake. Countless French words you see used all the time online, would never be used in face-to-face conversation. Learn this type of French just to use online!

Language are always changing – and so is French – but usually at a fairly slow rate. That is not the case with French online. The French language online changes every day, as words, phrases, images and videos “go viral” (or are passed from person to person quickly). You might be online one day and see everyone sharing a certain phrase, go to bed, and wake up the next day seeing completely new phrases or abbreviations.

Most common Abbreviations in French for texting

Here is a short list of abbreviations in French that young people use. If you’re learning French, it’s important to know that the French language can be rich in abbreviations and informal expressions, especially in text messages and online conversations. Young people in France tend to use the most common abbreviations in French for texting to save time and space on their keyboards.

Most common Abbreviations in French for texting

“slt” – salut (hello) : used to say hello to friends or loved ones.
“bjr” – bonjour (good morning/afternoon) : used to say hello to someone at the beginning of the day.
bsr = bonsoir (goodnight)
@2m1 = à demain (see you tomorrow)
a tt = à tout à l’heure (see you soon)
“tkt” – t’inquiète (don’t worry): used to reassure someone.
“mdr” – mort de rire (dying of laughter) : used to express great hilarity (like LOL in English*)
“stp” – s’il te plaît (please): used to politely ask for something.
“dsl” – désolé (sorry) : used to express apologies.
“bcp” – beaucoup (a lot) : used to express a large amount of something.
“pk” – pourquoi (why): used to ask for the reason for something.
“dc” – donc (so) : used to express a conclusion.
“ptdr” – pété de rire (dying of laughter) : similar to “mdr” but stronger.
Chui = Je suis (I am)
Je c = Je sais (I know)

Abbreviations for advanced texters

GHT2V A friend end is coming for dinner and you receive the following message: GHT2V. What is going on? Try to speak it out loud and you will understand: G (J’ai) HT (acheté) 2 (du) V (vin). he’s bringing the wine!

What can you text back? Simple: just the M (merci).
Or what about this one?
G1id2kdo = G (J’ai) (1) une id (idée) (2) de kdo (cadeau) (meaning: I have a great idea)

It’s important to note that these abbreviations are mainly used in informal conversations and not in formal situations. You can more abbreviations online but it’s better to learn in real life, so don’t hesitate to ask your French friends to teach you more. In terms of messaging apps used by young French people, WhatsApp is very popular, along with Snapchat and Instagram. French youths are known for being very tech-savvy and connected, and they often use social media and messaging apps to stay in touch with friends and family, as well as to share their daily lives and experiences.

When learning French at a French school in France, learning these abbreviations can help you better understand and communicate with young people in France, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the French language and culture.