CYL

What Does CYL Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

When used in a text, CYL means "Catch You Later." While this is its most common meaning in texting, be aware that it is a rare term, and it might mean something else. If our meaning does not fit, give the context of your conversation a name (e.g., love, sport, space, astronomy) and include it in your search term.

Image for CYL

When I write CYL, I mean this:

"Catch You Later"

Summary of Key Points

"Catch You Later" is, by far, the most common meaning for CYL when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

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 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.