Text messaging shorthand has become increasingly common, not only in text messages and on Twitter, but also in emails, both personal and professional. For those of you who come across acronyms that you are not familiar with are a number of websites that offer translations for terms like WOMBAT (waste of money, brains and time) and HAND (have a nice day). NetLingo.com has a list of acronyms and text shorthand, while LG’s DTXTR.com has a glossary translator that deciphers texting shorthand. These sights are popular with parents who want to know what their teenage children are saying to their friends. It is also helpful for professionals who want to be tech savvy and stay current with today’s trends. In fact some texting shorthand has been included in 2009 editions of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and AP Stylebook. BFF (best friends forever) and IMO (in my own opinion) are in the stylebook, the dictionary includes LOL (laugh out loud).
