Think you know your kids’ (or cheating partner’s) online lingo? Think again!

Parents, keeping up with the digital age can feel like a never-ending race. Just when you think you’ve mastered the latest trends, your kids have already moved on to a whole new language of acronyms and codes. You might be familiar with LOL and OMG, but what about GYPO, WTP, or KPC? These seemingly innocent combinations of letters hold a hidden meaning, designed to keep parents clueless.

Emojis are too easy

Many kids have moved beyond emojis, realizing that their parents can easily decipher a winking face or a suggestive fruit. Instead, they’ve turned to acronyms, creating a secret language that allows them to communicate freely without fear of being understood by adults. But what are they really saying?

What do these acronyms mean?

IPN stands for “I’m posting naked,” while GYPO, not a typo, means “get your pants off.” GNOC, another alarming acronym, stands for “get naked on camera.” These codes can be used for harmless flirting or, more worryingly, by online predators seeking to exploit children. WTP, for example, is an invitation to “wanna trade pics,” while TDMT stands for “talk dirty to me.” ITS is a request for “intense text sex.”

If a parent unexpectedly enters the room, a child might text “P911,” meaning “parent alert.” Similarly, “PAL” warns that “parents are listening,” and “PAW” signals that “parents are watching.” KPC, the ultimate goal of this secret language, stands for “keeping parents clueless.”

But it’s not just about keeping parents in the dark. Acronyms like “ASL” (age, sex, location) and “LMIRL” (let’s meet in real life) highlight the potential dangers of online interactions. These codes can be used by strangers to gather personal information or lure children into dangerous situations.

It’s important to remember that any child can fall victim to sexting or sextortion, regardless of their background or upbringing. By educating ourselves about these acronyms and having open conversations with our children, we can help them navigate the online world safely.