Teenagers are using what might for some parents look like a whole new language to talk to each other online. This new way of talking emerged naturally from internet culture, but it also makes it easy for kids to hide their messages from their parents. Luckily for parents, some of the popular acronyms and language have been decoded so we can make sense of what our kids are talking about online.
Parental Warnings
Teens don’t want their parents to know what they’re talking to their friends, or strangers, about online. There are several variations to let people know that your parents are nearby or reading over your shoulder. They include:
- PRW or PAW — parents are watching
- CD9 — Code 9, parents are around
- MOS — mom over shoulder
- PIR — parent in room
Nudity and Seduction Cams
Webcams and video chat have their positive uses but taking sexy or naked photos is not one of them. A lot of kids are pressured into taking their clothes off in front of the camera, whether it be for a boyfriend/girlfriend or even an online stranger. Of course they don’t want their parents to know what they’re up to so they use slang, such as:
- NIFOC — naked in front of computer
- GNOC — get naked on cam
- S2R — send to receive (pictures)
- SUGARPIC — suggestive or erotic
Image: kaboompics
Sexting and Dirty Talk
This one is a bit different than straight up picture sharing. Sexting involves more “wordy” messages, although it can and does include sending nude or explicit photos. Some examples are:
- PRON — porn
- TDTM — talk dirty to me
- IWSN — I want sex now
- CU46 — see you for sex
- TOGTFO — tits or get the f*** out
- 8 — oral sex
Meeting Strangers
We don’t want to believe it, but some of our kids are talking to strangers online. They can meet on social media, chat rooms or forums and might not always be who they say they are. This is called Catfishing, and it is extremely dangerous, especially if your teen is sending personal information, photos or planning to meet up with this person in real life. Here are some codes to look out for:
- ASL(RP) — age, sex, location, race, picture
- (L)MIRL — let’s meet in real life
- MorF — male or female
Drugs and Partying
Kids naturally don’t want their parents to know they’re up to no good, so they hide their partying life online with acronyms and slang such as:
- DOC — drug of choice
- 420 — marijuana
- CID — acid
- 1174’ — party meeting place
Now that you have a better understanding of some internet slang, keep an eye out for it on your family’s computer or even in your kid’s language. Respect their privacy and don’t go through their text messages unless you have a serious reason to be concerned about their safety. If you do find something, talk to your teen about it and hopefully you can resolve the problem from there.
Feature Image: kaboompics
