The Meaning of TYVM: What It Is and How To Use It

This guide will give you all of the necessary information on the acronym tyvm, including its meaning, origin, example sentences, usage, and more!

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What does tyvm stand for?

The definition of tyvm is “thank you very much.” This abbreviation is commonly used in chat speak and text speak across the internet and in texting or instant messenger language. Cyber Definitions states that the phrase thank you very much can also be abbreviated as tuvm, in which the “y” at the beginning of “you” is replaced with the letter “u,” another common internet abbreviation for the word “you.” The acronym tyvm is very popular in its usage across the internet, texting, and instant messengers.

Where did the acronym tyvm come from?

Tyvm is considered chat speak or textspeak, also considered SMS language. According to the English Dictionary, textspeak is a popularized form of written language used in text messages and other digital communication. These usually do not follow standard English grammar, and are rife with abbreviations. The origin of the word text speak comes from the term SMS text message, and the word speak.

According to The Next Web, SMS texting is over 25 years old, and has transformed language in the time it has been around. Not only has it created the need for messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber, and social networking sites like Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger. It has popularized many common acronyms like LOL, meaning laughing out loud, G2G, meaning got to go, and ILY, meaning I love you.

Even the phrases themselves have transformed over time. LOL, meaning laughing out loud, used to actually signify someone laughing out loud. Now, it conveys more of a state of mind, creating empathy or a relaxed environment. It no longer has a literal meaning, but an attitude.

Textspeak has also popularized the abbreviations of many words to their sounds – “are” becomes “r,” “you” becomes “u,” “why” becomes “y,” and so forth. Though they originated when texting has to be done on a T9 numeric touchpad and it took much longer to type whole words, they still remain popular today as a way to improve efficiency when it comes to typing. These phrases were also invented to save money. Texting used to be very expensive, and each text could only be 160 characters, so people saved space and money wherever they could.

How can tyvm be used in a sentence?

Tyvm is a very common initialism that can be used frequently in conversation when texting, on social media, or over instant messenger. It is less likely that someone would use this in person, since it does not save many syllables when speaking. Below are a few examples of situations in which tyvm would be appropriate.

Over text, one friend could text another, “Could you send me the address for the party tonight?” The other replies with the address, and then the first sends back, “Tyvm! See you at eight!” This is the perfect example of a casual situation in which using tyvm would be appropriate.

Tyvm could also be used sarcastically, much like the phrase it stands for. Amie and Liz are friends in high school, and Amie is shopping for a prom dress. Amie sends Liz a photo of herself in a sparkly iridescent sequined gown and asks Liz what she thinks, gushing over the dress. Liz replies, “Ngl (not going to lie), u look like the Rainbow Fish from that kids book. Hard pass.” Amie replies, “Tyvm! Not like I was just raving about it or anything!” This is another example of an abbreviation like tyvm being used in a context where it makes sense and is appropriate.

Is tyvm used casually or formally?

Tyvm us a casual abbreviation, and should never be used in formal scenarios. Tyvm would not be appropriate to use in a letter, formal email, resume, or any other professional setting. There are cases in which its usage between two familiar coworkers of the same level could be appropriate, such as for a quick chat over an instant messenger.

It is intended for tyvm to be used as a casual abbreviation between friends, via text, email, or instant messenger. It should never be used in professional circumstances. For example, the following would be a terrible example of when to use tyvm. Mr. Reed is a lawyer negotiating with Ms. Paul, another lawyer, on behalf of their respective clients. If Mr. Reed sent the following email, it would be highly inappropriate:

Ms. Paul,

Tyvm for sending ur comments. Will look at and get back 2 u. Thx. Ttyl.

-Reed

Below would be an appropriate way to fix Mr. Reed’s email:

Dear Ms. Paul,

Thank you very much for sending your comments over in a timely manner. I will take a look at these and get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks again.

Best,

Mr. Reed

What are some synonyms of tyvm?

There are a plethora of different chat acronyms on the internet that are synonyms for the slang term tyvm, according to Internet Slang.

·       10Q – Thank you, replaced by homophonic letters and numbers.

·       10X – Thanks, replaced by homophonic letters and numbers.

·       KTHX – Okay, thanks, with “k” abbreviating “okay” and “thx” abbreviating “thanks.”

·       KTY – Okay, thank you, with “k” abbreviating “okay” and “ty” abbreviating “thank you.”

·       FNX – Thanks, replaced by homophonic letters as a cute way of pronouncing “thanks” as “fanks.”

·       TY – An acronym for “thank you.”

·       TYSM – An acronym for “thank you so much.”

·       TFTI – An acronym for “thanks for the info” or “thanks for the invite.”

·       THANKQ – Thank you, in which the letter “q” replaces the homophonic conjunction between the end of “thank” and the word “you.”

·       THANKX – Thanks, with “x” replacing the “s” in the word.

·       THNX – An abbreviated form of “thankx.”

·       THX – An abbreviated form of “thnx.”

·       TIA – An acronym for “thanks in advance.”

·       TSM – An acronym for “thanks so much.”

·       TVM – An acronym for “thanks very much.”

·       TUVM – An acronym for “thank you very much,” with “u” replacing “you.”

·       TYSVM – An acronym for “thank you so very much.”

·       TUSVM – An acronym for “thank you so very much,” with “u” replacing “you.”

Sources:

  1. https://www.cyberdefinitions.com/definitions/TYVM.html
  2. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/textese
  3. https://thenextweb.com/tech/2017/12/03/texting-changed-language/
  4. https://www.internetslang.com/TYSM-meaning-definition.asp