French texters love their abbreviations almost as much as they love a good baguette. If you’ve ever stared at a message full of 'mdr' and 'ptdr' wondering if it’s a secret code, this guide is for you. Here are 10 must-know French texting shortcuts to keep you from looking like a confused tourist in the digital world.
1. MDR
MDR
/ɛm.de.ɛʁ/“LOL”
Stands for 'mort de rire' (dying of laughter). The French version of LOL, but somehow more dramatic - because of course it is.
2. PTDR
PTDR
/pe.te.de.ɛʁ/“ROFL”
Short for 'pété de rire' (bursting with laughter). When MDR just isn’t enough to express how funny something is.
3. SLT
SLT
/sa.ly/“Hi”
Abbreviation for 'salut'. Perfect for when you can’t be bothered to type out the whole word (which, let’s be honest, isn’t even that long).
4. A+
A+
/a.plus/“Later”
Short for 'à plus tard' (see you later). The laziest way to say goodbye without actually saying goodbye.
5. CC
CC
/se.se/“Hi (informal)”
Stands for 'coucou'. The cuter, more playful version of 'salut'. Use it when you’re feeling whimsical.
6. BSR
BSR
/be.ɛs.ɛʁ/“Good evening”
Short for 'bonsoir'. Because typing six whole letters is clearly exhausting.
7. STP
STP
/ɛs.te.pe/“Please”
Abbreviation for 's’il te plaît'. The informal way to say please when you’re not trying too hard to be polite.
8. TKT
TKT
/t‿ɛ̃.kjɛt/“Don’t worry”
Short for 't’inquiète' (from 'ne t’inquiète pas'). The chill way to tell someone to relax.
9. JPP
JPP
/ʒi.pe.pe/“I can’t even”
Stands for 'je peux plus' (I can’t anymore). The perfect response when something is so ridiculous you’ve lost the will to react properly.
10. OQP
OQP
/o.ky.pe/“Occupied/busy”
Short for 'occupé'. Because sometimes you just need to tell people you’re busy without elaborating.
Pro tip: Mix these into your texts sparingly. Overdo it, and you’ll sound like a 14-year-old who just discovered the internet.
Want to level up your French beyond texting slang? Check out our guide on mastering French tenses or learn how to charm with French compliments.
