4YEO

What Does 4YEO Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

4YEO means "For Your Eyes Only."

More Observations...

The abbreviation 4YEO is an "internet slang term" used in internet and text chat to mean "For Your Eyes Only." It usually indicates that what the sender is about to share is only meant to be seen by the recipient and should not be distributed further. Of note:

• 4YEO can also be written as FYEO.
• "For Your Eyes Only" was the title of a 1981 James Bond film, starring Roger Moore. The title song was sung by Sheena Easton.

Image for 4YEO

When I write 4YEO, I mean this:

4YEO indicates that what is about to be shared is not for further dissemination.

Summary of Key Points

"For Your Eyes Only" is, by far, the most common meaning for 4YEO when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

4YEO
Definition:	For Your Eyes Only
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults

Examples of 4YEO in Sentences

Here are examples of 4YEO in conversations:

• I'll show you mine if you show me yours.
• OK. But, this is 4YEO.

• Do you have a photo that's "4YEO"?
• Yes, here's one of me with Mel Gibson.

An Academic Look at 4YEO

4YEO is classified by our team as an "internet slang term" as opposed to an initialism abbreviation or an acronym. Initially, "internet slang terms" were introduced for brevity, but, particularly with the advent of predictive texting and on-screen keyboards, they are now mostly employed for fun. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "For Your Eyes Only" instead of using the abbreviation 4YEO. -->

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of 4YEO Used in a Text

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