Do you have something you need to tell your friend, but you want to wait until later to do it? Are you trying to make plans with somebody but you’re not sure of your schedule, so you’ll have to tell them later?
The term “LYK” may be the perfect thing for you to use. In this post, the meaning and origin of “LYK”, as well as the correct way to use it, will be explained.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “LYK” is an abbreviated term for “let you know”. It is usually sent over text or sometimes is used on social media. It is the thing that you tell somebody when they may be asking you for something, but you do not have the answer yet.
If you need to double-check something, you may send a quick “LYK” to the person you are talking to in order to let them know you will have to text them later with the information. If you are trying to make plans with someone, but do not know if something else will be in the way, you may send “LYK” to let that person know you are going to check your schedule and let them know later if you are available.
Example Usage
“I would love to go out for drinks later, but I might have some work to do. I’ll have to LYK”.
“If I’m not busy tomorrow, we should go out for lunch. But I’ll have to LYK if I can later”.
“I will LYK as soon as I can when I’m available for that meeting”.
“I’ll have to double-check some things, but I’ll LYK about tonight when I can”.
Origin
The abbreviation “LYK” was created as a shorthand version for “let you know”. It became a popular phrase as text slang also grew in popularity, along with other phrases such as “WYD” and “TTYL”. Text and internet slang like these terms became popular in the late 1990s, and became especially useful for sending a text message quickly.
According to the Grammarly website, the abbreviation “LYK” has been used for as long as the last fifteen years, and has become an essential tool in text speak. This phrase- and others like it- are typically very informal and only used between people that have a causal relationship, like two friends or siblings.
Phrases Similar to LYK
- “TTYL”, or “talk to you later”
- “LMK”, meaning “let me know”
- “IYKYK”, or “if you know, you know”
- “TBD”, or “to be determined”
Phrases Opposite to LYK
- I’ll tell you right now.
- “NVM”, or “nevermind”
- “RN”, or “right now”
What is the Correct Saying?
- “LYK” – “let you know”
Ways People May Incorrectly Say LYK
Using the term “LYK” means you’ll get back to someone at a later time with some important information. In this sense, you would not use the term “LYK” if you are about to immediately tell someone something. If you were to say, “I have the information right here, I’ll LYK” that would not make any sense; in that sentence, you would be telling the person that you have the information readily available, but that for some reason you would not give it to them until later.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase LYK
- Are you interested in going to the concert? I’ll lyk the prices for the tickets later.
- Hey, that was a really good idea! I’ll lyk how it works out when we try it.
- I’m not sure if I can go, I’ll lyk after talking to Mark about his plans for the weekend.
- John will lyk about the fine details of operating the machine when you come in tomorrow.
- Thanks for asking, I’ll lyk what I decide after I think about the long term effects of going with your offer.
- I have not heard back from Jane yet, I’ll lyk if she calls or stops by.