As with English, French has evolved its own selection of abbreviated 'text speak' – perfect for when you're texting or messaging someone, and also useful to use on Twitter.
And if you're going to be sending messages to French friends, colleagues and neighbours you will start to see quite a few of these.
But you need to be careful not to get your DQP mixed up with your JTM, or your conversation could be taking a turn that you definitely won't expect.
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As in English, text speak in France is generally casual and better kept between friends, so we don't suggest that you try these out on your boss or your mother-in-law, unless they use them first.
Here is a list of some of the most common text abbreviations in France.
MDR (mort de rire) – LOL (laugh out loud. Definitely not lots of love, as many a red-faced oldie – including former British Prime Minister David Cameron – has found).
STP/SVP (s’il te plaît/s’il vous plaît) – please
DQP (dès que possible) – ASAP
bcp (beaucoup) – a lot
dac (d’accord) – OK
PEH (pour être honnête) – TBH (to be honest)
A+ (à plus) i see ya later
biz (bisous) – kisses
dsl (désolé) – sorry
jtm (je t’aime) – I love you
A12C4 (à un de ces quatre) – see you when I see you
C cho (c’est chaud) – that’s tough/dangerous/difficult
CPG (c’est pas grave) – don’t worry about it
p2k (pas de quoi) – no thanks necessary
qqn (quelqu’un) – somebody
Have we missed out a phrase that you see all the time? Add your suggestions by emailing [email protected]
For more words of the day, visit our language section.
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