IRL

Texting & Internet Slang abbreviation · Texting and Chat

IRL
Stands forIn real life
CategoriesTexting & Internet Slang

IRL stands for In real life, a texting and chat abbreviation.

Distinguishes the offline world from online spaces, as in "we met IRL" or "she's nicer IRL." Used across social media, gaming and forums.

Example: We've been gaming together for years but finally met IRL last weekend.

Usage notes

Dates to early internet chat and Usenet. Some commentators argue the distinction is outdated, since online life is real life too; the alternative "AFK" (away from keyboard) is sometimes used for the same idea. Acceptable in casual work conversation.

More texting and chat abbreviations

  • ILYSM – I love you so much
  • IMHO – In my humble opinion
  • IMNSHO – In my not-so-humble opinion
  • IMO – In my opinion
  • IMY – I miss you
  • IOW – In other words
  • IYKWIM – If you know what I mean
  • J4F – Just for fun
  • JIC – Just in case
  • JK – Just kidding
  • JMO – Just my opinion
  • JOMO – Joy of missing out

See all 215 texting and chat abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.