Vietnamese texting slang is a world of its own – a chaotic mix of abbreviations, playful misspellings, and borrowed words. If you're learning Vietnamese, understanding these shortcuts will make your chats feel more natural. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones you’ll encounter.
Basic Vietnamese Texting Shortcuts
- đm – Short for địt mẹ, literally 'f*ck your mother'. Used like 'damn' or 'wtf' in English, but tread carefully – it’s crude.
- vl – Stands for vãi l*n, meaning 'holy sh*t'. Expresses shock or amusement.
- clgt? – Short for cái l*n gì thế?, meaning 'what the hell is this?' A dramatic way to ask for clarification.
- ko – Simply means 'no' (không).
- dc – Short for được, meaning 'okay' or 'can do'.
Playful & Expressive Slang
- chời ơi – A dramatic exclamation like 'oh my god', often used for comedic effect.
- trẻ trâu – Literally 'buffalo kid', meaning someone immature or trying too hard to be cool.
- sml – Stands for sấp mặt l*n, meaning 'faceplant'. Used when something goes terribly wrong.
- gato – From the French 'gateau' (cake), but means 'jealous' in Vietnamese slang.
Internet & Emoji Culture
Vietnamese netizens love mixing numbers, letters, and emojis for extra flair. Here are a few favourites:
- 5ting – 'Fighting!' (from Korean hwaiting), used for encouragement.
- 29 – Sounds like mãi chín ('forever nine'), meaning eternal youth or silliness.
- 🤡 – The clown emoji is used to call out someone’s foolishness, similar to English.
Many Vietnamese slang terms are based on tone play or abbreviations. If you're unsure, ask a local – they’ll usually explain (and probably laugh at your attempts to use them).
When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
Not all Vietnamese slang is crude or dramatic. Some are just convenient shortcuts:
| Slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ib | Inbox (message me) |
| addfr | Add friend |
| kk | Okay (softer than 'dc') |
Want more slang from around the world? Check out our guides to Hindi chat slang or modern Israeli slang.
