FRL

What Does FRL Mean in a Text?

FRL means "For Real" or "For Real?"

The abbreviation FRL is used with the meaning "For Real" as a statement, to emphasize that the speaker is being truthful. It is also used as a question (i.e., "For Real?") to express surprise or incredulity. (See below for examples.)

"For Real" is also abbreviated as 4RL, FR, and FRILL.

Image for FRL

When I write FRL, I mean this:

meaning of FRL

FRL can be used as a statement or a question.

Summary of Key Points

"For Real" is the most common definitions for FRL on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
FRL
Definition:For Real / For Real?
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of FRL in Sentences

Here are examples of FRL being used in conversations:
  • Chad: My wife and I were happy for 30 years.
  • Naomi: FRL? That's really sweet. Then what happened?
  • Chad: We met.
  • Ruby: I have just been promoted to team leader!
  • Tony: FRL? That's great!
  • Ruby: FRL! You're fired!

An Academic Look at FRL

FRL is typically used as a declarative or an interrogative sentence, with the meaning "I am telling the truth" or "Are you telling the truth?". It can also play the role of an adverb meaning "definitely."

Even when used as a question, FRL is commonly seen without a question mark (i.e., it can be written FRL or FRL?). The context will usually make the intended meaning clear.

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Eff Arr Ell"), FRL is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said something like "Seriously" or "Are you joking?" instead of using the abbreviation FRL. 

Example of FRL Used in a Text

FRL
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