NEI

What Does NEI Mean in a Text?

NEI means "Not Enough Information." It is an abbreviation used to indicate that the sender wants more detail about something that has been mentioned. NEI may be used because the sender wishes to clarify a point. However, in the context of gossip, it usually means they are being nosey.

NEI basically means the same as the abbreviations NMI (Need More Info) and TLI (Too Little Info).

Image for NEI

When I write NEI, I mean this:

meaning of NEI

NEI is most often used in gossip.

Summary of Key Points

"Not Enough Information" is the most common definition for NEI on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
NEI
Definition:Not Enough Information
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Here are examples of NEI being used in conversations:
  • Mechanic: The bill is $1569 exactly.
  • Customer: Wow! NEI. Can you give me a break down of the total?
  • Politician: Fake new! Fake news!
  • Reporter: NEI. How is it fake news, exactly?

An Academic Look at NEI

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Enn Ee Eye"), NEI is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

NEI is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It is not normally used as another part of speech within a wider sentence.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "Tell me more" or "What else?" instead of using the abbreviation NEI.

Example of NEI Used in a Text

NEI
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)