If you spend time on social media, texting with friends, or scrolling through comments, chances are you’ve seen the abbreviation “NGL” pop up. At first glance, it might look confusing. Is it a new app? A code? A slang word? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in wondering. Internet language can sometimes feel like a secret club, but once you learn the meanings, it all starts to make sense.
In this article, we’ll take a friendly, step-by-step look at what “NGL” means in chat. We’ll keep things simple, clear, and fun like a conversation with a friend. By the end, you’ll not only understand the meaning but also know how to use it in real-life conversations.
So, let’s dive in and explore what “NGL” is all about.
What Does NGL Mean?
The abbreviation NGL stands for “Not Gonna Lie.”
That’s it, short, simple, and straightforward. People use it when they want to be honest about something, even if that honesty might be blunt, funny, or surprising.
For example:
- “NGL, I didn’t study at all for the test.”
- “NGL, that pizza was the best thing I’ve eaten this week.”
- “NGL, I’m tired of scrolling on my phone all day.”
In each case, the person is admitting something truthfully. Sometimes the truth is serious, sometimes it’s silly, but “NGL” always signals honesty.
Why Do People Use NGL?
Texting and online chatting move quickly. Abbreviations like NGL help people say more with fewer words. Instead of typing the whole phrase “not gonna lie,” you can type three quick letters.
Here are a few reasons why people love using NGL:
- It’s Short and Fast
Typing “NGL” is quicker than writing the full phrase. In the world of chat, speed matters. - It Sets the Tone
Adding “NGL” before a sentence tells the reader, “I’m being real with you right now.” It makes the message feel more personal and honest. - It Softens the Impact
Sometimes, honesty can sound harsh. Using “NGL” can make it sound less rude. For example:- “NGL, that movie was boring.” sounds softer than just “That movie was boring.”
How to Use NGL in Chat
If you’re new to online slang, you might wonder: how do I actually use “NGL” in a message? The good news is, it’s very easy.
Step 1: Start with NGL
Usually, “NGL” goes at the beginning of a sentence.
Example:
- “NGL, I’m nervous about tomorrow’s presentation.”
Step 2: Add Your Honest Thought
After “NGL,” you share the truth you want to admit.
Example:
- “NGL, I stayed up all night watching Netflix.”
Step 3: Use It Casually
NGL is informal. It’s best used with friends, family, or casual conversations, not in serious work emails or school essays.
Example:
- Casual: “NGL, your cat pictures make my day.”
- Formal: “Not gonna lie, I believe this project may face challenges.” (Here, it’s better to avoid slang.)
Is NGL Always About Serious Honesty?
Not at all. NGL can be used in different tones. Sometimes it’s serious, but often it’s playful.
- Serious honesty:
“NGL, I feel really stressed this week.” - Playful honesty:
“NGL, I ate the last cookie and I don’t regret it.”
So, while the meaning is always “not gonna lie,” the feeling depends on the situation.
Where Did NGL Come From?
Like many internet abbreviations, NGL started in online chatrooms and texting culture. People wanted faster ways to express common phrases. “Not gonna lie” was popular in conversations, so it naturally got shortened to “NGL.”
Over time, it spread across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and messaging apps. Today, it’s recognized worldwide as part of internet slang.
Fun fact: There’s even an app called NGL, which lets people send anonymous messages. The app’s name plays on the idea of “not gonna lie,” since anonymous messages are supposed to reveal people’s true thoughts.
Examples of NGL in Real Conversations
To really understand how NGL works, let’s look at some everyday examples.
Example 1: Talking About Food
- “NGL, these fries are better than the burger.”
- Translation: I’m honestly saying the fries taste better than the main food.
In Example 2: Sharing an Opinion
- “NGL, that song is stuck in my head all day.”
- Translation: I admit I can’t stop thinking about the song.
Example 3: Being Funny
- “NGL, I only came to the party for the snacks.”
- Translation: Honestly, the food was my main reason for coming.
Example 4: Showing Vulnerability
- “NGL, I feel nervous meeting new people.”
- Translation: I’m admitting my real feelings without hiding them.
NGL vs. Other Abbreviations
Sometimes, people confuse NGL with similar internet phrases. Let’s compare.
- TBH (To Be Honest)
- Similar to NGL, TBH also shows honesty.
- Example: “TBH, I don’t like spicy food.”
- Difference: NGL often goes before a sentence, while TBH can go before or after.
- FR (For Real)
- Shows agreement or emphasizes truth.
- Example: “That movie was amazing, FR.”
- Difference: NGL introduces an honest statement, while FR confirms one.
- IMO (In My Opinion)
- Shares a personal view, not necessarily honesty.
- Example: “IMO, that’s the best pizza place.”
- Difference: NGL stresses honesty, IMO stresses opinion.
Common Misunderstandings About NGL
When you first see NGL, it’s easy to misunderstand. Here are some clarifications:
- It’s not a word by itself.
NGL is an abbreviation, not something you say out loud like a regular word. - It’s not rude by default.
Some people think honesty = rudeness. But NGL can also be sweet.- Example: “NGL, you’re one of the funniest people I know.”
- It’s not formal.
Save NGL for casual chats, not professional emails.
Fun Facts About NGL
- Global Reach: Even non-native English speakers use NGL in chat. It’s part of the “universal” internet language.
- Emoji Pairing: Sometimes, people add emojis after NGL to set the mood.
- “NGL, I’m so tired 😅”
- “NGL, that’s hilarious 😂”
- Pop Culture Use: Memes often start with NGL to deliver a funny confession.
Tips for Using NGL Like a Pro
- Keep It Honest – Use NGL when you truly mean what you say.
- Stay Casual – Use it in texts, DMs, and comments, not in formal writing.
- Add Humor – Sometimes, the funniest lines start with NGL.
- Don’t Overuse It – If every sentence starts with NGL, it loses its charm.
Quick Recap of Key Points
- NGL means “Not Gonna Lie.”
- It shows honesty, serious or playful.
- Use it in casual chats, not formal writing.
- Examples: “NGL, that was the best pizza.” / “NGL, I’m really tired.”
- Similar abbreviations: TBH, FR, IMO.
- Fun fact: There’s even an app called NGL.
Conclusion
Language online changes fast, but once you learn the basics, it’s easy to keep up. “NGL” is one of those handy abbreviations that makes chatting quicker and more expressive. It tells people, “I’m being real with you.” Whether you’re sharing a silly confession, a strong opinion, or a heartfelt truth, NGL adds a personal touch.
So next time you’re texting with friends, try using it. Who knows you might find it’s the perfect way to say what’s really on your mind. NGL, it’s a pretty cool phrase to know.
