Are you trying to sound more astute or knowledgeable? How about adding a more academic tone to your text? If you are in a hurry and want to direct your college to a specific block of information in your emails, there is a simple option. Try WRT, which is essentially a more elegant way of saying regarding.
With so many casual terms meant for close friends or family, WRT is perfect for professional correspondence. It’s intended to relay a more formal tone that elicits clarity and even some sophistication.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
It’s an abbreviation usually sent through text messaging that means “with respect to.” It’s often used through email to professional colleagues and coworkers. WRT is internet slang for expressing something such as, "I’d to respond to a specific point made prior in this conversation."
Another way to explain the meaning of wrt is by thinking of it as a way to direct someone’s attention to a specific line or place.
WRT is great for directing a discussion towards where you prefer to take it. It’s a convenient form of shorthand text used to respond to someone’s specific point or highlight something mentioned previously. WRT may also have its core meaning shortened to w/r/t or just r/t.
Example Usage
“I sent you an email wrt the overdue invoices”.
“Did dad contact you wrt the new tenant?”
“WRT digital SLR cameras - It may be better to have on hand both an SLR and pocket camera just in case. Make sure SLR is secured in the vehicle and take the pocket camera on your person during the hike. It will save a lot of weight!”
“Check the luggage wrt missing items”
“My messages have been sent wrt the complaints received from your peers”.
Origin
The origin of wrt is not known. It has been seen in communication both offline and online since the late 1900s. There are a few instances where it was found in text earlier than the 1900s, typically relating to legal communications or between scholars. Over time the phrase has been used in formal and professional settings, and can even be found in informal settings in modern times.
While it is technically internet slang, it’s often used, as previously mentioned, in a professional setting and even in college essays and academic papers that may have originated as a shorthand way to point out specific things or ideas. In most cases, it can be used in both formal and casual conversations.
Phrases Similar to WRT
- IMHO: In my humble opinion
- FYKA – For your kind attention
- YMMV: Your mileage may vary
- OTOH: On the other hand
Phrases Opposite to WRT
- IDK - I don’t know
- NBD - No big deal
- NMW - never mind
What is the Correct Saying?
- WRT - With respect to
- WRT - With regard to
- With regards to, in regards to, regarding.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say WRT
WRT is used in social media, text messaging and even formal correspondence such as academic work or professional email exchanges. It denotes a fancier tone than most other abbreviations but can be used to direct any type of communication towards a specific point or idea. So, for all intents and purposes, it is a typical form of text speak that is appropriate just about anywhere.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase WRT
- Have you seen the letter sent wrt the overdue mortgage payments?
- I’m issuing a notice wrt the changes in the roster you requested.
- Let’s reach out to our neighbors wrt the block picnic coming up this summer.
- Can you give the senator a call wrt the proposed bill on the House floor?
- Let me know your thoughts wrt the budget changes I suggested.
- The letters that arrived were addressed to grandma. The insurance company wrote her wrt grandpa’s settlement.