Twitter is a micro-social media network that is growing in popularity worldwide. Users converse with each other through text-based messages. Abbreviated words are a necessary part of Twitter given the limit of 140 characters per Tweet or message. Yes, the 140-character count does include spaces.

By understanding the popular abbreviations on Twitter, whether using the network as a personal or professional tool, users are able to interact efficiently and make the best use of their time spent online.

Polite Abbreviations

As your mother likely said, always be polite. In the networking world of Twitter, the phrase certainly holds true.

Polite phrases such as “Thank you” and “You’re welcome” are used often on Twitter to acknowledge Retweets and other mentions. The correct abbreviations for the phrases on Twitter are:

• “Thank you” is shortened to “TY”.

• “You’re welcome” becomes “YW”. Another option is “YSW” or “You’re so welcome”.

Abbreviations for Mentions of Other Twitter Users

Your mother may have also said there is “No need to shout about it” or “Keep your voice down”. In the Twitter world a "Shout Out" refers to the mention of another user within a Tweet.  A Shout Out is a way to acknowledge other users for good work, for online assistance, or to help the profiles of followers stand out in a crowded electronic feed.

The Tweet that embeds the Shout Out is directed toward one or multiple Twitter users by attaching the “@” character directly before the specific user's handle name.

• Shorten "Shout Out” to “#SO”. 

• For example: "#SO to @christy for her great article about Twitter (attach link here). TY!"

Another way to call positive attention to users is by inviting your Twitter network to “follow” or subscribe to Tweets of the admired user. Popular abbreviations that prove useful at bringing positive attention or acknowledgement to a specific user are:

• “#WW” or “Worth Watching”. Place the popular abbreviation at the start of the Tweet to draw immediate attention and follow with the Twitter user's handle name.

• Replace "#WW" with “#FF” on Fridays.

The "#FF" abbreviation stands for “Follow Friday”. The abbreviation is widely popular on Fridays! The abbreviation "Early #FF" may even be seen on Thursdays. Attaching user names to a Follow Friday Tweet encourages other people in your network to follow these Twitter profiles.

Use the abbreviations for Worth Watching and Follow Friday when you want to thank Twitter members who retweet your content or who are now following your own electronic Twitter feed. Positively acknowledge these particular users for their help by attaching "#WW" or "#FF" to Tweets along with their handle names.

Abbreviations for the Retweet

Retweets are Tweets that you send from your own Twitter profile that originated with another user. Retweets are a great way to share information quickly with other people in the social media network. Pay mention to the originator of the Tweet as you circulate the 140-character message by typing “RT” or "Retweet" at the start of the Tweet. The "RT" abbreviation clarifies that you are re-sharing the content of another person on Twitter.

“MT” or "Modified Tweet" is another popular abbreviation on Twitter. A Modified Tweet is created when a user changes the wording of the original Tweet, such as the text that accompanies a media link.

Here is a summary of the popular Twitter abbreviations:

• TY = Thank you

• YW = You’re welcome

• YSW = You’re so welcome

• #SO = Shout Out

• #WW = Worth Watching

• #FF = Follow Friday

• RT = Retweet

• MT = Modified Tweet

Use these popular abbreviations to Increase both your Twitter productivity and the quality of your personal and professional Twitter interactions. As well, knowledge of the meaning of the popular abbreviations allows you to decipher other users' Tweets. Enjoy Twitter, enjoy the language, and start networking more easily!

Photo Source:

Stock.xchng http://www.sxc.hu/photo/729541 Tony Clough