I'm not the best at actually speaking to my family on the phone. Saying that, I do telephone my parents every day, but I tend to text my sons. It's quick, easy and you usually get a fast reply.
In fact I would say that texting, using Messenger, WhatsApp or similar, is now the normal way a lot of people communicate with family, friends and even the electrician. Even us oldies now how to do it, and it saves the annoyance when someone won't answer the phone. You can leave a worded message and that person can get back to you when they are free, and it's just as easy as leaving a voice message. The only problem is when you have texted the wrong person but that's a minor problem. (Like when my friend was moaning about her ex-husband and sent the text to him instead of the person with the same first letter in her address book. I thought it was hilarious but maybe not?)
But, you know, there is an art to texting, and it is not at all cool to use 'textspeak'. I got a right telling off from my sons when I used to use it, but I thought it was normal and quick. The fact that they couldn't understand a word I had texted was neither here nor there. I was being 'hip wit the kids' and 'right up there' with texting! Well I wasn't actually. The rather frank abrupt messages I got back from my sons told me in no uncertain terms that 'textspeak' is not what you use and could I please stop it immediately. Now I am not convinced that no-one uses 'textspeak'. I think that all the young people use it and us oldies are definitely not allowed 'in with the crowd'. It's a bit like an elderly man wearing those jeans that hang down on the hips showing the pants, fashion wise. Mind you sometimes that happens naturally when you get old so maybe that's not a good example! Anyway I was told not to use it.
Well I don't understand. I looked up 'textspeak' on the internet and it suggests it is still used.....son's are you listening??
SMS language - Wikipedia
SMS language, textspeak or texting language is the abbreviated language and slang commonly used with mobile phone text messaging, or other Internet-based communication such as email and instant messaging.
Honestly how can you not understand what these examples mean?….
ADDY
FCOL
NP
TOY
W/E
Don't worry, I've put the link at the bottom of this post so you can check the answers. Oh and I have never used any of those abbreviations, and yes I still use LOL. Doesn't everyone? Now it is interesting to note that further on the Wikipedia explanation it says that 'Features of early mobile phone messaging encouraged users to use abbreviations.' so maybe it isn't used that much now? Actually, I find most people use the full words in their text, and smart phones have predicted text anyway so the message almost gets written for you.
I suppose once emojis were invented 'textspeak' became obsolete anyway. I mean why not use an emoji instead of a couple of letters? I confess I use this emoji quite regularly.....😂. I think it shows that I find something very funny and it's made me physically laugh, but then again it could mean something different to other people? I don't think so though, at least not amongst the people I message on social media. Maybe that's because they are a similar age to me?
There is a person on one of my social media pages that does use 'textspeak' and it really stands out. In fact I have to read her posts very slowly to understand what she is saying. I also don't understand how she doesn't realise that no-one lese writes like she does! Gosh I sound rather a know-it-all, don't I? Now I am turning round and suggesting 'textspeak' isn't the done thing! Maybe this is how my sons felt when I used it 😂😂😂😂.
Hmmm, maybe they find my use of emojis annoying and 'uncool' too? Ermmm, maybe they find my use of the word 'cool' annoying too? What about my use of !! and ' ? Okay that's it. I am writing using full words from now on, but honestly, can I stop using emojis? Probably not. Can I stop using exclamation marks? Very unlikely…….and oh my gosh I was going to use an emoji right then!! There is no hope for me is there? 😁
https://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/textmessageabbreviations.asp
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