When you are limited to 140 characters, including usernames, it’s important to understand the shorthand people commonly use. The following is an ongoing list of terms that is often used in place of full length words, or technical terms that relate back to Twitter actions.
Actions
RT = Retweet. To Retweet or RT means simply copying and pasting another users tweet with their username.
Example: Linking is not a crime! RT @GovWinTeam: Meet the senator blocking Big Content’s Web censorship plan via Danger Roomhttp://bit.ly/f8ikkG
MT – Modified Tweet. Similar to a RT, but an MT is a tweet that is shortened to fit the character requirements.
Example: MT@RonWyden Linking is not a crime! RT @GovWinTeam: Meet the senator blocking Big Content’s Web censorship plan…http://bit.ly/f8ikkG
DM – Direct Message. Direct messages are hidden from public streams and can only be sent to people following you.
PRT – Partial Tweet. This can be used in place of MT. When removing information rather than modifying it use this method.
/CC or CC – Carbon-Copy. Just like when you CC someone in an email, this denotes that you are attaching someone to a conversation or think it’s relevant to them.
Shorthand
FF or #FF – Follow Friday. Often misused, but this is used when suggesting to your followers a person they should follow.
BTW – By The Way.
IMHO – In My Honest Opinion.
YT – You There?
TY – Thank You.
YW – You’re Welcome.
FML – F#*@ My Life.
GTFO – Get The F@*# Out.
NSFW – Not Safe For Work.
NSFL – Not Safe For Life.
