One fantastic thing about the internet community is how quickly it pushes the boundaries of language. Words, phrases and #hashtags from Twitter are constantly emerging in response to news and social media. IDK is one of the most popular online abbreviations used in informal communication and memes.
” I do not know “
IDK is an abbreviation of the phrase “I don’t know”, and it may or may not be spelled in upper case. According to Grammar, the abbreviation has been around since around 2002 (or even before), when it first appeared in textual language. On Urban dictionary, the phrase is defined as the short form of “I don’t know” in a commentary published in 2003.
The abbreviation is most commonly used and understood by younger generations (think Gen Y and Z), but don’t bet someone who isn’t as tech or text savvy will understand what the phrase means. .
According to google trends, IDK is most often used in the United States, Poland and Moldova. Use of the term really started to skyrocket on the web in 2007. The popularity of the abbreviation has increased again with another significant rise during the current global pandemic with an emphasis on memes, possibly reflecting be the confusion and uncertainty of people about the state of society during the lock. period of unavailability.
Soon: What is a meme (and how were they born)?
How to use IDK
IDK should be used as a shortcut for “I don’t know” in text and instant messaging to express uncertainty when trying to find an answer to a question, or when trying to describe something unfamiliar.
Here are some suitable methods for using IDK in text:
- I do not know what that means.
- IDK on this.
- I should pick up some bread, but idk if the store is open now.
If you are feeling very confident, saying IDK aloud to a group of friends will elicit a lot of laughter and self-inflicted embarrassment (don’t do this in public unless you are not ashamed of yourself.)
Its meaning and semantics have remained the same, but some variations have appeared over time.
“IDEK” and other variants
There are a few variations of IDK that are common in messaging platforms. All of these variations can be spelled in all caps or not capitalized. IDK can be used to respond to messages quickly, but online slang should be avoided in many business environments.
A common variation is “IDEK” or “I don’t even know”. For example, “IDEK who it is. ”
You can use the shortcut “IDW” or “I don’t want” to show that you don’t want something or that you don’t want to do something. For example, “IDW to go to the park”.
Use “IDTS” or “I don’t think so” to express subtle doubt and uncertainty. For example, if you do not know whether or not the keys are in the house, answer with “IDTS”.
“IDC” or “I don’t care” should not be confused with IDK, however, you can use them in the same sentence.
For example:
- Person 1: “Who was that? “
- Person 2: “idk and idc”
The opposite of IDK is IK (I know) which is another popular online abbreviation that is most often used in text messaging. You can also use “IKR” which translates to “I know, don’t you? And is generally applied in ironic contexts.
There’s a ton of online slang in IDEK, and if you’re curious about other internet abbreviations and acronyms, check out our articles on GG and IRL.
