Learn how to use this new term IRL (or in your DMs)
Have you ever been scrambling to guess what a new slang term means? “IMK” is an informal way of expressing an idea without being 100% positive it’s correct. In this guide, we’ll fill you in on what the acronym means in texting and on social media, as well as alternative slang terms you can use instead.
[Edit]Learn to Use “IMK” in Texts and Social Media
The acronym “IMK” stands for “In My Knowledge.” It’s an informal way of saying you’re pretty confident but not entirely sure the information you're sharing is correct. It’s like saying, “As far as I know,” “As far as I’m aware,” or “To the best of my knowledge…”
[Edit]Steps
[Edit]What does “IMK” mean?
- “IMK” is an acronym for “In My Knowledge.” When you see “imk” in a text from a friend or on places like TikTok or Instagram, it usually means the sender is pretty confident about their answer but not completely sure. It’s another way of informally saying, “If I recall correctly,” “As far as I know,” or “I think so.”[1]
- You: “Do you think Justin is coming tonight?”
- Them: “Imk, I sent him the invite, and he said bet.”
- You: “Can Mom pick you up after school?”
- Them: “Imk, she said she was free, so…”
- “Imk” is often mistaken for “Let Me Know.” Due to the similar appearance of an uppercase “I” and lowercase “L,” sometimes “Imk” can be a misspelling of another popular texting term, “LMK” which stands for “Let Me Know.” It’s used to have someone expand on an idea or to request more information.[2]
- You: “Hey, lmk if you can come over tonight. Got cash to order food!”
- Them: “I’m just waiting for my mom to come home, so I’ll lyk soon.”
[Edit]How to Use “IMK” in Conversation
- Use “IMK” to share information that you believe is correct. Want to tell someone you’re pretty sure about something? Send a quick “IMK” message. The information is based on your experience or knowledge, so it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean it’s 100% accurate.[3]
- Them: “Yo, I thought you said Justina and Devin broke up?”
- You: “Imk!! She said she wasn’t talking to him anymore.”
[Edit]How to Reply to “IMK”
- Learn how the sender got their information. If you received an “IMK” text, it’s okay not to feel just as confident as the sender does. After all, it’s based on information that’s privy to them—not you. Feel free to ask questions or follow up about how the other person gained that information to help shape your understanding or how you respond to a situation.[4]
- Them: “Imk the test next week isn’t happening.”
- You: “Where’d you hear that from?”
- Them: “I overheard Mrs. Jamison telling the guidance counselor Mr. P will be out for the next two weeks, so they’re trying to find a sub.”
- You: “Dang. I think I’ll still study tho, just in case.”
[Edit]Alternative Meanings
- I Must Know{endbold} “IMK” is sometimes a way to express an eagerness or demand for specific knowledge, especially during a time crunch. It’s another way of saying, “I need to know.”[5]
- “IMK what happens in the next episode of Love Is Blind!”
- “Did you hear what happened to Shauna? IMK!!!”
- In My Kitchen{endbold} If you’ve ever received a “Wya?” (Where You At?) or “Wyd?” (What You Doing?) text while you’re cooking it up in the kitchen, send a quick “IMK” in response.[6]
- “IMK right now, so I’ll message you when I finish.”
- “I’ll be IMK; just pull up whenever you’re ready.”
- I’ll Message You{endbold} This may be a less common usage for “IMK,” but some users have used the acronym to stand for “I’ll Message You,” indicating they’ll share information in your DMs rather than in the public comments on Instagram or TikTok.[7]
- “IMK you the details for the party this weekend.”
- “Do you need the notes from class earlier? IMK!”
[Edit]Similar Slang Terms
- AFAIK is an acronym for “As Far As I Know.” Another way to convey that what you’re saying is true based on your knowledge is by using “AFAIK.” It also indicates that you’re not completely certain but confident enough to share information.[8]
- “AFAIK, school is closed next Tuesday, so I’m sleeping in that day.”
- “Did you hear the meeting got pushed? AFAIK Emilia did another no call no show!”
- AFAIAA is shorthand for “As Far As I’m Aware.” If you want a more formal shorthand for “IMK,” use “AFAIAA” instead. It can be used to convey that you’re not confident of your answer and you’d like to create some distance from what was originally said.[9]
- “Henry said he did the homework on time, AFAIAA.”
- “AFAIAA, Jesse told me she’s going to be at the party tonight even though she’s grounded.”
- TTBOMK is an abbreviation for “To The Best Of My Knowledge.” Another formal option for expressing yourself about a particular situation or information is saying “TTBOMK.”
- Them: “Have you seen Jenna since yesterday?”
- You: “TTBOMK, Jenna’s staying at Linda’s house for the weekend.”
[Edit]References
- ↑ https://letslearnslang.com/what-does-imk-mean-in-texting/
- ↑ https://en.amazingtalker.com/questions/1362
- ↑ https://guidinginsta.com/dictionary/imk-meaning-instagram/
- ↑ https://www.myenglishteacher.eu/blog/what-does-imk-mean/
- ↑ https://letslearnslang.com/what-does-imk-mean-in-texting/
- ↑ https://www.allacronyms.com/IMK
- ↑ https://guidinginsta.com/dictionary/imk-meaning-instagram/
- ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/afaik
- ↑ https://www.cyberdefinitions.com/definitions/AFAIAA.html
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