Why do my grandkids think my texts sound angry?

Short replies with a period, like “OK.”, can feel cold to some younger people. Adding a word or an exclamation point helps.

What does “sus” mean?

Suspicious, or a little shady. “That deal looks sus.”

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What does that text, slang or emoji mean?

A friendly guide to common texting shortcuts, today’s slang, emoji that don’t mean what they look like, and how tone comes across.

Quick answer

LOL means laughing out loud, not “lots of love.” BRB is be right back, IDK is I don’t know, TBH is to be honest. Common slang: “no cap” means no lie, “bet” means OK, “slay” means did great, “lowkey” means a little, “sus” means suspicious. A skull emoji usually means “I’m laughing so hard.” A short “OK.” can read as cold to younger people. When in doubt, just ask; most kids love explaining.

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Your checklist

LOL means laughing, not love
Learn BRB, IDK, TBH
Know no cap, bet, slay, lowkey
A skull means laughing hard
Add a word or “!” to sound warmer
When in doubt, ask

Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.

Common shortcuts

LOL: laughing out loud (not “lots of love”)
BRB: be right back
IDK: I don’t know
TBH: to be honest
IMO: in my opinion
NVM: never mind
TY / NP: thank you / no problem

Today’s slang

No cap: no lie, for real
Bet: OK, sounds good
Slay: did great
Lowkey: a little, or quietly
Sus: suspicious
It’s giving…: it has the feel of…
Mid: just average
Fr: for real

Slang changes fast and varies by group.

Emoji

Emoji don’t always mean what they look like. A skull usually means “I’m dying laughing.” Folded hands can mean thank you or please. A crying-laughing face means very funny.

Tone

To some younger people, a short “OK.” with a period or a lone thumbs-up can feel cold. Adding a word or an exclamation point sounds warmer.

When in doubt

Ask! Most kids enjoy explaining, and it’s a great way to connect.

Official sources, and where to look

Eldercare Locator: local senior services and classeseldercare.acl.gov
FTC consumer advice: text message scamsconsumer.ftc.gov

To find your local office, search for:

free phone and texting class for seniors [your city]
[your city] library tech help

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Is it rude to use periods in texts?

Not really, but some younger people read a lone period as serious or annoyed. Context matters. More ›

Should I use slang with my grandkids?

Only if it feels natural. Many kids find it sweet when grandparents ask what words mean. More ›

What does LOL mean in a text?

Laughing out loud. It’s used to show something is funny, not “lots of love.” More ›

What does “no cap” mean?

No lie, or for real. “That was the best pizza, no cap.” More ›

What does “bet” mean in a text?

OK, sounds good, or agreed. “Dinner at 6?” “Bet.” More ›

What does the skull emoji mean?

Usually “I’m laughing so hard,” as in “I’m dead,” in a joking way. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.