ABS

What Does ABS Mean?

ABS means "Absolutely," "Abdominals," and "Anti-Lock Braking System." Here is more information about each of these definitions of ABS, with examples of use.

Absolutely

The abbreviation ABS (usually typed and pronounced as "abs") is most commonly used in internet chat forums and text speak to mean "absolutely" (as in "completely" or "totally").

In this context, ABS is typically used to express agreement. For example:
  • Toni: Don't you just hate it when people respond to your questions with one-word answers?
  • Jordan: ABS.

Abdominals

ABS (again usually typed and pronounced as "abs") is also widely used online and in general speech to refer to the stomach muscles, more specifically, the rectus abdominis or "abdominals."

The ABS are the principal muscles that show when a person has a well-defined "six pack." For example:
  • Lee: My ABS are sore after that workout. I bet I have a six pack by tomorrow.
  • Sam: You dork! You're 100 pounds overweight. You won't see your ABS for at least six months.

Anti-Lock Braking System

ABS (pronounced "A.B.S.") can also refer to "Anti-Lock Braking System," which is an electronically-controlled safety system that prevents a vehicle's brakes from locking-up when they are applied harshly.

Image for ABS

When I write ABS, I mean this: meaning of ABS ABS also means "Absolutely" and "Anti-Lock Braking System."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition of ABS

"Absolutely" is the most common definition for ABS on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
ABS
Definition:Absolutely
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition of ABS

"Abdominals" (Stomach Muscles) is another common definition for ABS.

ABS
Definition:Abdominals
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition of ABS

ABS also means "Anti-Lock Braking System."

ABS
Definition:Anti-Lock Braking System
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

More...

An Academic Look at ABS

When used to mean "Absolutely" or "Abdominals" ABS is a shortened version, or a contraction, of those words. Contractions tend to be formed in one of three ways:
  • Using letters from the start of the word (e.g., ABS from "Absolutely").
  • Using letters from the start and end of the word (e.g., ABS from "Abdominals").
  • Using an apostrophe to replace a letter or letters (e.g., can't from "Cannot").
For reasons of brevity, contractions are rarely followed by periods/full stops and apostrophes are routinely omitted in text speak and on social-media platforms.

When used with the meaning "Anti-Lock Braking System" ABS is classified as an initialism abbreviation, because it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Aye Bee Ess").

Example of ABS Used in a Text

ABS

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See Also

*.* (absolutely everything ) ABFAB (absolutely fabulous) ITA (I totally agree) TBCH (to be completely honest)