Every day, Italians send more than 167 million text messages, for a total of 60 billion texts annually. Texting and chatting in Italian means learning new grammar rules, a new vocabulary, and a peculiar system of signs — all of which are necessary to convey the rhythms of conversation to this new hybrid language. Get familiar with this new idiom, because you may need to communicate with text-addicted Italians.
Here's a list of the most common texting abbreviations, Italian-style:
m = mi (I, me)
t = ti (you)
xke = perché (why, because)
cmq = comunque (anyway)
bc = baci (kisses)
midi = mi dispiace (I'm sorry)
pfv = per favore (please)
d = da (from, since, of)
grz = grazie (thanks)
tn = tanto (a lot, much, long time)
k = chi (who, what)
c6 = Ci sei? (Are you there?)
qls = qualcosa (something)
+ = più (more)
risp = rispondi (answer)
nn = non (no, not)
prox = prossima (next)
gg = giorno (day)
tvb = ti voglio bene (I love you)
ta = ti amo (I love you)
Test your text translation skills by trying to decipher the following message. Then try to craft an appropriate reply.
c6? nn t vedo + d tn! La prox volta risp pfv xke tvb e m manki! grz e bc
Ci sei? Non ti vedo più da tanto! La prossima volta rispondi per favore perché ti voglio bene e mi manchi! Grazie e baci.
Are you there? I haven't seen you for a long time! Next time, please answer my message because I love you and I miss you! Thanks and kisses.
