Chat Glossary

Browse 21 chat terms defined in plain English, from the cultural dictionary of computing.

21 Chat Terms

AFAIK
"As Far As I Know" — a qualifier used in technical discussions, code reviews, and chat to signal that the speaker believes something to be true but...
AFK
AFK stands for Away From Keyboard, an internet abbreviation indicating that someone is temporarily unavailable or not at their computer. The term originated in...
Bot Slang
Informal language used to describe automated agents, chatbots, or scripted system actors, often with a mix of humor and mild suspicion. In engineering culture,...
Channel (Slack)
A dedicated conversation space in Slack used for topics, teams, projects, or announcements. In workplace culture, channels are where coordination, status...
Chat API
An API used to send, receive, stream, or manage chat messages, threads, participants, and related messaging features. Chat APIs are common in support tools,...
Chat Ops
An operating style in which operational tasks are triggered, monitored, or discussed through chat tools like Slack or Teams, often with bots and automation...
Chat Protocol
The message format and interaction rules used by a chat system to exchange messages, typing indicators, read receipts, presence, and other conversation events....
Chat Server
A server responsible for handling chat connections, message routing, presence, history storage, and related real-time messaging concerns. Chat servers often...
Discussion Thread
A connected sequence of messages, replies, or comments centered on one topic. In modern work culture discussion threads are where context either gets preserved...
Give Me a Sec
A casual phrase used in technical chat while someone investigates, reproduces, or fixes something live. It often signals a short pause before a more informed...
IMO
Short for 'in my opinion,' used to soften or frame a statement as a personal view rather than an objective fact. It is common in technical chat, code review,...
IRC
Short for Internet Relay Chat, an early protocol and ecosystem for real-time text chat organized around servers and channels. IRC played a major role in open...
LMFAO
A stronger internet shorthand for laughing very hard. In developer chat it often signals disbelief, amusement, or absurdity rather than literal uncontrollable...
Matrix (chat)
An open protocol and ecosystem for decentralized real-time chat, often used as an alternative to centralized communication platforms. In computing culture it...
Mattermost
An open-source team messaging platform often used as a self-hosted alternative to commercial workplace chat tools.
NGL
Short for 'not gonna lie,' used to frame a statement as candid or blunt. In technical chat it often softens criticism by sounding conversational.
No Worries
A casual reassurance meaning the issue is fine, forgiven, or not a problem. In work chat it often softens small mistakes or delays.
Rocket Chat
An open-source team communication platform used as a self-hosted alternative to commercial chat systems.
ROFL
Short for 'rolling on the floor laughing,' a classic internet expression of strong amusement. In engineering chat it is usually figurative and often signals...
Same
A very short way to signal immediate identification or agreement with what someone else just said. In engineering chat it often appears after complaints about...
Slay
To do something exceptionally well, stylishly, or impressively. In tech chat it is a playful compliment for code, demos, talks, or design choices.

Related Topics