Top 45 Slang For Ignoring Text Messages – Meaning & Usage

We’ve all been there – that uncomfortable moment when you receive a text message that you just don’t know how to respond to. Whether it’s a friend asking for a favor or a potential date trying to make plans, sometimes it’s easier to just ignore the message. Well, we’ve got your back! We’ve compiled a list of the top slang phrases for ignoring text messages that will help you navigate those tricky situations with ease. From the classic “ghosting” to the subtle “read and not replied,” we’ve got the perfect phrases to keep you out of those dreaded text message conversations. Get ready to level up your texting game and never feel guilty about ignoring a message again!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. GTG

This acronym is used to indicate that the sender needs to end the conversation or leave. It is often used as a polite way to excuse oneself from a text conversation.

  • For example, “Sorry, GTG. Talk to you later!”
  • A person might text, “GTG, dinner is ready. Catch up with you later.”
  • In a group chat, someone might say, “GTG, have a meeting to attend. See you all later!”

2. AFK

This term is used to indicate that the sender is temporarily unavailable or not actively engaging in the conversation. It is commonly used in online gaming and chat platforms.

  • For instance, “BRB, AFK for a few minutes.”
  • A person might text, “AFK, going to grab a snack. Be back soon!”
  • In a group chat, someone might say, “AFK, need to take a quick phone call.”

3. BRB

This acronym is used to indicate that the sender will be momentarily away from the conversation, but will return shortly. It is often used as a polite way to excuse oneself for a short period of time.

  • For example, “BRB, need to grab something from another room.”
  • A person might text, “BRB, going to let the dog out.”
  • In a group chat, someone might say, “BRB, need to answer the door.”

4. LMK

This acronym is used to request information or confirmation from the recipient. It is often used to express interest in continuing the conversation or to ask for updates.

  • For instance, “LMK if you’re free to meet up tomorrow.”
  • A person might text, “LMK what time works best for you.”
  • In a group chat, someone might say, “LMK if you’re joining us for dinner.”

5. IDK

This acronym is used to indicate that the sender does not have the information or answer to a question. It is often used when the sender is unsure or lacks knowledge about a particular topic.

  • For example, “IDK, I’ll have to look it up.”
  • A person might text, “IDK, I’m not familiar with that.”
  • In a group chat, someone might say, “IDK, can someone else answer that question?”

6. NVM

This is a shorthand way of saying “nevermind” and is often used to dismiss or disregard something that was previously mentioned or asked.

  • For example, if someone asks, “What time are we meeting?” and then immediately follows up with, “NVM, I found the information in the group chat.”
  • In a conversation about weekend plans, someone might say, “NVM, I can’t make it anymore.”
  • A person might text, “NVM, I figured it out on my own.”

7. SMH

This acronym is used to express disbelief, disappointment, or disapproval.

  • For instance, if someone tells a ridiculous story, another person might respond with “SMH.”
  • In a discussion about current events, someone might say, “SMH at the lack of accountability.”
  • A person might text, “SMH, can’t believe they said that.”

8. TTYL

A polite way to end a conversation or indicate that you will be unavailable for a period of time.

  • For example, if someone is about to leave work, they might say, “TTYL, have a great evening!”
  • In a text exchange with a friend, someone might say, “I need to go now, TTYL.”
  • A person might text, “I’m going into a meeting, TTYL.”

9. CYA

A casual way to say goodbye, indicating that you expect to see or interact with the person again in the future.

  • For instance, if someone is leaving a social gathering, they might say, “CYA, it was great seeing you!”
  • In a text conversation with a colleague, someone might say, “I’m signing off for the day, CYA tomorrow.”
  • A person might text, “Heading out now, CYA later!”

10. BBL

A quick way to let someone know that you will be away temporarily but plan to return.

  • For example, if someone is stepping away from their computer during an online chat, they might say, “BBL, need to grab a coffee.”
  • In a text exchange with a friend, someone might say, “I have to run some errands, BBL.”
  • A person might text, “Going to the gym, BBL!”

11. IDC

This acronym is used to indicate that the person doesn’t care about the message or the conversation. It is often used as a dismissive response.

  • For example, if someone asks, “Did you see the new movie?” a person might reply, “IDC, I’m not interested.”
  • When someone shares their opinion on a topic, another person might respond with, “IDC, everyone is entitled to their own views.”
  • In a group chat, if someone asks for suggestions on where to eat, someone might reply, “IDC, I’ll go wherever you guys decide.”

12. K

This is a short and casual response to indicate acknowledgement or agreement. It can also be used to show disinterest or lack of enthusiasm.

  • For instance, if someone asks if you’re free tonight, you might reply with a simple “K” to indicate your availability.
  • When someone shares exciting news, a person might respond with a lackluster “K” to show indifference.
  • If someone suggests a plan and you have no strong opinion, you might reply with “K” to indicate that you’re fine with it.
See also  Top 11 Slang For Last Minute – Meaning & Usage

13. NP

This abbreviation is used to indicate that there was no inconvenience or trouble caused by the message or request. It is often used as a polite and casual response.

  • For example, if someone apologizes for a mistake, a person might reply with “NP” to show that it’s not a big deal.
  • When someone thanks you for a favor, you can respond with “NP” to indicate that it was not a problem for you.
  • If someone asks for a small favor, you can reply with “NP” to show that it’s not a hassle for you to help.

14. TY

This abbreviation is used to express gratitude and appreciation. It is a short and informal way of saying “thank you”.

  • For instance, if someone compliments you, you can respond with a quick “TY” to show your appreciation.
  • When someone does you a favor, you can reply with “TY” to express your gratitude.
  • If someone gives you a gift, you can send them a message saying “TY” to thank them for their generosity.

15. GN

This abbreviation is commonly used to say “good night” as a farewell or to wish someone a restful sleep.

  • For example, before going to bed, you can send a message to your friend saying “GN” to bid them good night.
  • If someone wishes you a good night, you can reply with “GN” to reciprocate the sentiment.
  • When chatting with a group of friends late at night, you can say “GN” as a way to sign off and indicate that you’re going to sleep.

16. L8R

This slang term is used to indicate that the person will respond to the text message at a later time. It is often used when someone wants to delay their response or avoid responding altogether.

  • For example, a person might text, “Can we talk about this later? L8R.”
  • Another person might say, “I’m busy right now, L8R.”
  • Someone might use this term to avoid a conversation they don’t want to have, saying, “I don’t have time to discuss this now, L8R.”

17. CUL8R

Similar to “L8R,” this slang term is used to indicate that the person will respond or see the message at a later time. It is often used in a casual or lighthearted manner.

  • For instance, a person might text, “I’ll catch up with you later, CUL8R.”
  • Another person might say, “I’m heading out now, CUL8R.”
  • Someone might use this term to avoid committing to a plan or conversation, saying, “I’ll think about it and let you know, CUL8R.”

18. WYD

This slang term is used to ask someone what they are currently doing. It can be used as a way to initiate a conversation or to check in on someone’s activities.

  • For example, a person might text, “Hey, WYD right now?”
  • Another person might say, “Just hanging out at home, WYD?”
  • Someone might use this term to gauge someone’s availability, saying, “Wanna grab dinner tonight? WYD?”

19. NM

This slang term is used to indicate that there is nothing significant or noteworthy happening. It is often used as a response to the question “What’s up?” or as a way to dismiss a conversation.

  • For instance, a person might text, “Hey, what’s up?” and receive the response “NM.”
  • Another person might say, “Just chilling at home, NM.”
  • Someone might use this term to indicate that they are not interested in continuing a conversation, saying, “Sorry, NM.”

20. OOO

This slang term is used to indicate that the person is currently unavailable or not checking their messages. It is often used as an automatic reply or as a way to let others know that the person will not be responding for a period of time.

  • For example, a person might set their email auto-reply to say, “I’m currently OOO and will respond when I return.”
  • Another person might say, “I won’t be available for the next few days, OOO.”
  • Someone might use this term to avoid responding to a message they don’t want to address, saying, “Sorry, I’m OOO right now.”

21. Ghosting

Ghosting refers to the act of suddenly and completely cutting off all communication with someone, usually without any explanation or warning. It is commonly used in the context of ignoring text messages or calls.

  • For example, “I thought we were getting along well, but then she ghosted me and stopped replying to my messages.”
  • Another example, “He ghosted his date after their first meeting and never responded to her texts.”
  • A person might say, “I hate when people ghost me. It’s so rude and disrespectful.”

22. Radio silence

Radio silence is a term used to describe a situation where there is a complete absence of communication or response. It is often used to refer to someone who is ignoring text messages or not responding to calls.

  • For instance, “I’ve been trying to reach him for days, but it’s been radio silence.”
  • Another example, “She went into radio silence after our argument and hasn’t replied to any of my texts.”
  • A person might say, “I hate when people go into radio silence. It’s frustrating not knowing if they’re okay or if they’re ignoring me.”

23. Ignoring

Ignoring refers to the act of deliberately not responding or acknowledging someone’s text messages. It can be done for various reasons, such as not being interested, avoiding confrontation, or simply being busy.

  • For example, “He’s been ignoring my messages for days. I don’t know what I did wrong.”
  • Another example, “She’s always ignoring my texts. It’s like she doesn’t care.”
  • A person might say, “I hate when people start ignoring me out of the blue. It’s so frustrating not knowing why.”

24. Blue-ticking

Blue-ticking refers to the act of reading a message (indicated by the blue tick mark in some messaging apps) but choosing not to respond. It is often used to describe someone who has seen a message but intentionally avoids replying.

  • For instance, “I saw that he read my message, but he’s blue-ticking me.”
  • Another example, “She’s been blue-ticking me all day. It’s so annoying.”
  • A person might say, “I hate when people blue-tick me. It’s like they’re ignoring me on purpose.”

25. MIA

MIA stands for “missing in action” and is commonly used to describe someone who is completely absent or unresponsive, especially in the context of text messages. It implies that the person is not actively participating in the conversation or is intentionally avoiding it.

  • For example, “She’s been MIA for days. I guess she’s ignoring me.”
  • Another example, “He went MIA after our argument and hasn’t replied to any of my texts.”
  • A person might say, “I hate when people go MIA. It’s so frustrating not knowing if they’re okay or if they’re purposely ignoring me.”

26. DND

This term refers to a feature on smartphones that allows users to silence notifications and calls. It is often used to indicate that someone is intentionally ignoring text messages.

  • For example, “Sorry, I didn’t see your message earlier. I had my phone on DND.”
  • A person might say, “I’m putting my phone on DND so I can focus on my work.”
  • Someone might ask, “Why didn’t you reply to my text? Were you on DND?”

27. Off the grid

This slang phrase means to be completely unavailable or out of contact. It implies that someone is intentionally ignoring text messages and not responding.

  • For instance, “I haven’t heard from him in days. He’s totally off the grid.”
  • A person might say, “I’m going off the grid for the weekend. No cell service.”
  • Someone might ask, “Where were you? You were off the grid all day.”

28. Silent treatment

The silent treatment refers to a deliberate act of ignoring someone to express anger, punishment, or disapproval. In the context of ignoring text messages, it means intentionally not responding or acknowledging messages.

  • For example, “She’s mad at me, so she’s giving me the silent treatment.”
  • A person might say, “I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of a response. He’s getting the silent treatment.”
  • Someone might ask, “Why are you giving me the silent treatment? What did I do?”

29. Going dark

This slang phrase means to suddenly become unavailable or stop communicating. It implies that someone is intentionally ignoring text messages and not responding.

  • For instance, “He was talking to me every day, and then he went dark.”
  • A person might say, “I’m going dark for a while. Need some time to myself.”
  • Someone might ask, “What happened to her? She’s been going dark on social media too.”

30. Brushing off

To brush off means to ignore someone or something casually, often without much thought or consideration. In the context of ignoring text messages, it means not giving them much attention or priority.

  • For example, “I texted him, but he just brushed me off.”
  • A person might say, “She always brushes off my messages. It’s like she doesn’t care.”
  • Someone might ask, “Why do you keep brushing off my texts? Are you avoiding me?”

31. Dodging

This term refers to intentionally avoiding or evading a text message or conversation. It implies that the person is actively trying to ignore or not respond to the message.

  • For example, “I texted him last night, but he’s been dodging me all day.”
  • A friend might complain, “She’s always dodging my texts. It’s so frustrating.”
  • Someone might ask, “Why do you keep dodging my messages? Is something wrong?”

32. Shutting someone out

This phrase means to purposefully ignore or exclude someone from communication. It suggests that the person is actively choosing not to engage with the other person’s messages.

  • For instance, “She’s been shutting me out ever since our argument.”
  • A friend might say, “I feel like you’re shutting me out. Is everything okay?”
  • Someone might comment, “He’s shutting everyone out. It’s like he doesn’t want to talk to anyone.”

33. Zoning out

This slang term refers to mentally disconnecting or becoming unresponsive to text messages. It implies that the person is not paying attention or is not interested in the conversation.

  • For example, “Sorry, I was zoning out and didn’t see your message.”
  • A friend might say, “I can tell you’re zoning out. Are you busy?”
  • Someone might ask, “Why do you keep zoning out during our conversations? Are you bored?”

34. Cold shoulder

This phrase means to deliberately ignore or give someone the silent treatment. It suggests that the person is intentionally choosing not to respond to the other person’s texts.

  • For instance, “I’ve been giving him the cold shoulder ever since he canceled our plans.”
  • A friend might say, “She’s been giving me the cold shoulder. I don’t know what I did.”
  • Someone might comment, “He’s been giving everyone the cold shoulder. I think he’s upset about something.”

35. Non-responsive

This term refers to a person who is not responding to text messages. It implies that the person is not actively engaging in the conversation or choosing not to reply.

  • For example, “He’s been non-responsive for days. I don’t know if he’s mad at me.”
  • A friend might say, “She’s always non-responsive. It’s like she doesn’t care.”
  • Someone might comment, “I hate it when people are non-responsive. It’s so rude.”

36. No reply

When someone receives a text message but chooses not to respond to it. This can happen for various reasons, such as being busy, not knowing how to respond, or intentionally ignoring the message.

  • For example, “I texted him asking if he wanted to hang out, but I got no reply.”
  • A person might complain, “I hate it when people give me the silent treatment and leave me with no reply.”
  • Another might say, “I’m tired of waiting for a response. It’s like dealing with a no-reply situation.”

37. Crickets

When someone doesn’t respond to a text message, leaving the sender waiting and feeling ignored. The term “crickets” is used metaphorically to represent the absence of any communication or response.

  • For instance, “I asked her a question, but all I heard were crickets.”
  • A person might say, “I texted him last night, and I’m still getting crickets.”
  • Another might comment, “I hate it when people leave me on read and it’s just crickets after that.”

38. Bread crumbing

When someone responds to text messages sporadically or intermittently, giving the impression of being interested but not fully engaging in the conversation. It’s a way of stringing someone along without committing to a deeper level of communication.

  • For example, “He keeps breadcrumbing me with short replies, but never makes plans.”
  • A person might complain, “I’m tired of being bread crumbed. Either show interest or don’t.”
  • Another might say, “I can’t stand it when people breadcrumb me. It’s a waste of time and energy.”

39. Benching

When someone keeps a person as an option for future communication or potential interest but doesn’t actively engage with them. It’s like being put on the “bench” or waiting in the sidelines, ready to be brought back into play if needed.

  • For instance, “He’s been benching me for weeks, never making concrete plans.”
  • A person might say, “I refuse to be benched. I deserve someone who values me.”
  • Another might comment, “I hate it when people bench me. It’s disrespectful and unfair.”

40. Slow fade

When someone starts to respond less frequently or with less enthusiasm to text messages, gradually reducing the level of communication until it eventually stops completely. It’s a subtle way of ending a conversation or relationship without explicitly saying so.

  • For example, “We used to text all the time, but now it’s just a slow fade.”
  • A person might say, “I can sense the slow fade happening. It’s disappointing.”
  • Another might comment, “I’m tired of being on the receiving end of a slow fade. Just be honest and upfront.”

41. Seen-zoning

Seen-zoning refers to the act of intentionally ignoring a text message after reading it. It is often done to avoid responding or showing disinterest.

  • For example, “I hate when people seen-zone me and never respond.”
  • A person might complain, “I can’t stand it when someone keeps seen-zoning my messages.”
  • In a conversation about texting etiquette, someone might say, “It’s rude to constantly seen-zone someone without giving them a response.”

42. Muted

Muted is a term used to describe the action of silencing notifications for a specific conversation or group chat. It allows the person to ignore messages without being constantly alerted.

  • For instance, “I muted the group chat because it was too active.”
  • A person might say, “I muted the conversation because it was getting annoying.”
  • In a discussion about managing notifications, someone might suggest, “If you don’t want to be disturbed, just mute the conversation.”

43. Ignoring the thread

Ignoring the thread refers to the act of intentionally avoiding participation in a text message conversation. It can be a way to show disinterest or disapproval.

  • For example, “I’m just ignoring the thread because I don’t want to get involved.”
  • A person might say, “Sometimes it’s better to just ignore the thread and avoid unnecessary drama.”
  • In a discussion about group chats, someone might suggest, “If you’re not interested, just ignore the thread instead of causing arguments.”

44. Shunning

Shunning is a term used to describe the act of deliberately avoiding communication or contact with someone. It can be done as a form of punishment or to show disdain.

  • For instance, “She’s shunning me because of something I said.”
  • A person might complain, “I feel like I’m being shunned by my friends.”
  • In a conversation about social dynamics, someone might discuss the effects of shunning and its impact on relationships.
See also  Top 71 Slang For More Than – Meaning & Usage

45. Non-responsiveness

Non-responsiveness refers to the lack of response to text messages. It can be intentional or unintentional, but it often implies a lack of interest or engagement.

  • For example, “I’m frustrated with his non-responsiveness to my messages.”
  • A person might say, “I hate when people show non-responsiveness and leave me hanging.”
  • In a discussion about communication, someone might argue, “Non-responsiveness is a sign of disrespect and should be addressed.”