2L8

What Does 2L8 Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

2L8 means "Too late."

More Observations...

This term was part of the early SMS vocabulary, a system that combined letters and symbols to convey words using the least number of characters. The number 8 is used for its sound in such terms, e.g., M8 (Mate), GR8 (Great). The number 2 (Too) is used in the same way.

Image for 2L8

When I write 2L8, I mean this:

2L8 means too late.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

2L8
Definition:	Too Late
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of 2L8 in Sentences

Here are examples of 2L8 in conversations:

James: I've just finished work. Am I 2L8 to join in?
Paul: No, we've only just arrived so come along.

Sue: I'm so busy at work, but I'll call you when I get home if it's not 2L8.
Chelsea: That's cool. Don't work too hard.

An Academic Look at 2L8

2L8 is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team because some of its characters are used as substitutes for letters. Most "slang terms" were introduced to reduce the number of key strokes required to write the word, but since the arrival of predictive texting and keyboards on mobile devices, this efficiency is no longer required. Nevertheless, "slang terms" are still regularly used to make messages more entertaining or to express individuality. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations.