CYA

What Does CYA Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

CYA means "See You (Bye)" or "Cover Your Ass."

See You (Bye)

The abbreviation CYA is widely used with the meaning "See You (Bye)" as a salutation at the end of a message. The use of CYA usually implies that the absence will be of a temporary nature and that the sender will be back in touch. However, CYA is often used by a person who has just been "dumped" to imply that they are not bothered that the relationship has ended.

Cover Your Ass

In a work-related context, CYA refers to actions taken by someone to protect them from possible subsequent criticism, legal penalties, or other repercussions. CYA may include such negative actions as avoiding taking responsibility for something, but may also include positive actions, such as re-checking work and anticipating potential problems.

Image for CYA

When I write CYA, I mean this:

CYA also means "Cover Your Ass"

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

CYA
Definition:	See You (Bye)
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

"Cover Your Ass" is another common definition for CYA. Here is some more information about CYA:

CYA
Definition:	Cover Your Ass
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of CYA in Sentences

Here are examples of CYA in conversations:

• Jodie: So, it's not you, it's me. I'm really sorry.
• Cliff: OK. CYA.
(Here, CYA is being used with the meaning "See You (Bye)".)

• Carrie: I have the report ready to send to the boss.
• Julie: Better check it over again before you let her have it, just to CYA.
(Here CYA is being used with the meaning Cover Your Ass.)

An Academic Look at CYA

When used with the meaning "See You (Bye)", CYA is an acronym (i.e., an abbreviation spoken like a word). It is based on pronouncing the letters as "C YA," as in "See Ya" or "See You." When used with the meaning "Cover Your Ass," CYA is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "See Why Ay"). In this context it is classified as an initialism abbreviation.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "See You" or "Cover Your Ass," instead of using the abbreviation CYA.

Example of CYA Used in a Text

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