When you're messaging a friend or loved one, you may have a lot to say. As much as you want to text paragraphs, sometimes it's easier to keep it short and sweet.

That's where abbreviations and slang come in to help. There are so many ways to abbreviate what you want to say: "OTP" to "ttyl." "ICYMI", USA TODAY has been breaking down text slang. We've already covered various explainers on different phrases, such as "rizz" and "lmk".

Now, it's time to learn a new one. Here is the meaning and how to use "ily".  

What does 'ily' mean?

"ILY" stands for "I love you." The text slang is used in a more informal way than the full phrase. You can use "ily" while messaging friends, family or other loved ones, such as a significant other.

You can also choose to modify the abbreviation. Other variations include:

• "ilysm" - "I love you so much"
• "ly" - "love you"
• "lysm" - "love you so much"

In general, "ily" is used to express love, gratitude and appreciation toward another person no matter the conversation.

How to use 'ily'

Here are some examples of how to use "ily":

• "You're the best, ily!"
• "Thank you for the present, ilysm."
• "ttyl, ly!"

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What is my love language?" to "How to start a conversation on a dating app?" to "What is popular sovereignty?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers: 

• Looking for slang explainers? Just 'lmk': Here's what the term means.
• Ending a convo over text? Here's what 'TTYL' means and how to use it.
• What does 'gts' mean? Definition of text term and how to use it.
• What does 'no cap' mean? Here's the definition of the slang term and how to use it.
• What does 'WYLL' mean? Here's what the text slang stands for and how to use it.
• What does 'rizz' mean? Here's the definition of social media slang term and how to use it.
• What does 'WTV' mean? The definition of the texting abbreviation, plus how to use it.
• What does 'MBN' mean? Here's what it means and how to use for texts, social media.
• What does 'IMO' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly.
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation.
• What does 'wyd' mean? What it means and how to use the acronym correctly in conversation.
• What does 'AFK' mean? And examples of how to use it when texting friends.
• What does 'OTP' mean? Breaking down the fandom term, slang.
• What does 'smh' mean? Defining the texting acronym and how to use it in your conversations
• What does 'ICYMI' mean? Here's what it means and examples of it used in conversation.
• What does 'ngl' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly.
• What does 'hmu' mean? Get to know Internet, texting acronym
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation.
• What does 'POV' mean? Breaking down the definition of the abbreviation.
• What does 'idk' mean? What the texting slang means and how to use in conversation.
• What does 'mid' mean? Here's what the internet slang term means and how to use it.
• What does 'OG' mean? Here is what the slang means and how to use it correctly.