What does "NGL" mean? (Internet slang) (audio reading included)

Language is democratic. This is one of its most enduring characteristics: People get to decide what is and is not accepted in spoken and written communication. In regard to written online communication, this has been the case since the birth of the internet and text messaging. This is especially the case when it comes to internet abbreviations.

Most of us know at least some of the most common texting language shorthand: brb (be right back), ttyl (talk to you later), k (ok), and so on.

NGL also falls into this category, and is one of the newer online abbreviations. There's a good chance you have seen these three letters in online comments sections, in group chats, or in text messages. So, what's the meaning of NGL?

In short, NGL stands for "not gonna lie" (or "not going to lie"). It's an abbreviation to say "I'm not going to lie" or "This is what I think or how I feel about this situation." Some synonyms for NGL are "Actually," "Honestly," "To be honest," and "To tell you the truth." NGL can be used seriously, but it is often used semi-seriously, or for comedic effect.

You usually start a sentence with NGL, but it's common to see it at the end of a sentence as well, and you can use it in a variety of situations. Finally, while you should technically capitalize all of the letters in NGL, most texters and internet users just use lowercase letters for it (ngl) or only capitalize the first letter (Ngl). For this article, I will use a mix of all of these.

So, let's take a look at the various ways you can use this abbreviation with some quick reference explanations and example sentences.

1. To admit you had a different understanding of something

ngl, I thought our meeting was on Tuesday, not Monday.

ngl, I thought that was a picture of a horse.

Ngl, I thought you were actually joking.

NGL, I thought today was Friday.

ngl, I didn't think you would care if I were late.

2. To admit you had different expectations of something

Ngl, I didn't think this would take this long.

NGL, I didn't expect them to lose.

Ngl, I didn't think those shoes would be that expensive.

ngl, I thought the movie would be a lot better than it was.

Ngl, we didn't expect you to arrive so early.

3. To admit your ignorance about something, or to say something that might be surprising for others to hear

NGL, I thought the capital of Brazil was Rio de Janeiro.

ngl, I didn't know you were coming.

NGL, this is my first time eating tortillas.

Ngl, I have no idea what you're talking about.

NGL, I don't understand

4. To admit to a lack of proper attention or caring

Ngl, I didn't hear a single word you said.

ngl, I wasn't listening to anything you were saying.

Ngl, I was half-asleep when you told me that.

NGL, I wasn't paying attention.

ngl, I didn't do it because I just didn't want to do it.

5. To state an opinion that might be different from what other people think

Ngl, I don't see the problem. Why is everyone so upset?

Ngl, I actually thought she was a pretty good boss.

ngl, I'm in the minority on this one.

NGL, I don't agree with any of you guys.

NGL, I don't think the situation was as bad as everyone here is saying.

6. To state your genuine opinion or feelings about something or someone

ngl, I don't actually like picking flowers.

Ngl, I really hope we get to work together. (I hope we will have this opportunity)

ngl, this is the best cake I've ever eaten.

NGL, I think this is a really bad idea.

ngl, I think you should break up with her.

7. To be direct and honest with someone

NGL, our sales were terrible last quarter.

Ngl, you're probably not going to like what I have to say.

ngl, this won't be easy.

NGL, it's going to be super expensive.

ngl, you should probably read the instructions first before you try assembling it by yourself.

So, what did you think of this article? Let me know in the comments, and start by using "NGL." Until next time, thanks for reading, and good luck with your studies!

Ngl, learning something new can be pretty tough, but it's worth it.