Wan2knw d l8st txt msgs?

Here’s a challenge for avid texters: in two minutes or less, decode IMOSMS+LYGR8.

Give up? If you couldn’t crack that piece of text message, which is composed of abbreviations commonly used in SMS jargon, then you’re not texting as much as you think you’ve been. Of course, the most recognizable word there is GR8 which means "great." But IMOSMS? And what the heck is +LY?

For the answer to that puzzling textspeak, you might want to check out a slim book that claims to be the dictionary of SMS, today’s unofficial new world language. Wan2tlk: Ltl Bk of Txt Msgs is a 119-page collection of one thousand words, abbreviations and emoticons commonly used in text messages around the world. The book covers a wide range of topics, from irresistible pick-up lines and clever replies to scorching romantic exchanges and insults.

Wan2tlk is the natural result of the text messaging mania that’s sweeping nearly every country in the world – that is, of course, except the United States. According to British market research firm Mobile Streams, about 5.6 billion text messages are sent around the world every year. In the United Kingdom alone, 500 million SMS messages are sent each month, the BBC reports.

Wan2tlk is thus a timely publication – so much so that its first 96-page volume outsold Harry Potter in the UK in December last year.

So what’s special about Wan2tlk? Though books abound on how to send the perfect insult or how to go after the cutie you’ve met last night (the Philippines itself has its own text collections which are just cute text messages and corny jokes), Wan2tlk translates and defines the texting language that most of us have become familiar with.

However, because a lot of Netspeak or Internet chat jargon have likewise found their way into text messaging, and much creativity can be crammed within 150 or so characters in a regular mobile phone, a new bunch of words, abbreviations and emoticons crop up almost every minute.

Take YYSSW, for example. Some Internet mainstays may have encountered this abbreviation but many – especially Filipinos – may still be unfamiliar with it. The phrase simply means "Yeah, Yeah, Sure, Sure, Whatever!" – a cynical, exasperated reply you can send to your friend who’s been bragging about his brand-new 8310. Or you can send this to someone who’s been bullying you for the past week: i-=<******* o-(==<. It means "Have flame-thrower and I can use it!"

A lot of mobile phone users who bought Wan2tlk have found it extremely useful, a look at Amazon.com reveals. After all, you just flick a few pages and you’ll find an abbreviation or emoticon for every occasion.

Wan2tlk, however, isn’t a dictionary that you’d expect it to be. The translations are arranged on a per topic basis. Don’t fret, though; a glossary-style dictionary of SMS words, abbreviations and emoticons may be coming our way soon.

Oh, by the way, IMOSMS+LYGR8 means "In my opinion, short messaging is positively great." It is, don’t you think?