CYL

What Does CYL Mean in a Text?

CYL means "Catch You Later."

Image for CYL

When I write CYL, I mean this:

"Catch You Later"

Summary of Key Points

"Catch You Later" is the most common definition for CYL on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

CYL
Definition:	Catch You Later
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

What Does CYL Mean in a Text?

CYL means "Catch You Later." The meaning of the abbreviation CYL can be taken literally to mean that you will be meeting that person face-to-face sometime soon, but it is just as often used to indicate that someone will be in touch again soon, either by telephone, email or text message. 

Sometimes the abbreviation CYL is also used at the end of a conversation, whether or not the sender expects to meet with or even contact the recipient again soon. 

Of note, CYL is sometimes translated as "See You Later" but "Catch You Later" is the more common definition.

Examples of CYL in Sentences

Here are examples of CYL being used in conversations:

• Rich: I´ve got to go now CYL. OK?
• Diana: Of course. Speak tonight.

• Karen: I will be back online at 7 o´clock tonight.
• Sue: OK. CYL..

An Academic Look at CYL

CYL is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., See Why Ell), but as this is harder to say than "Catch You Later" it is not often uttered using its letters. In other words, the abbreviation CYL is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.

The abbreviation CYL is normally used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement) with the meaning "Catch you later”. CYL is not often 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 "Catch you later" instead of CYL.

Example of CYL Used in a Text

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