IAS

What Does IAS Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

IAS means "In A Second."

More Observations...

The abbreviation IAS is typically used with the meaning "In A Second" to indicate that the sender is currently occupied, but will be ready very shortly. IAS is similar in meaning to HO (hold on). It contrasts with WAM (wait a minute), which implies a slightly longer break. Other common meanings of IAS are:

• "Indian Administrative Service." The permanent bureaucracy in India that forms part of the executive branch of the government.
• "International Accounting Standards." From 1973 until 2001, these were standards for the preparation and presentation of financial statements.
• "Immigration Advisory Service." A UK organization that provided legal advice and guidance on British immigration law. It closed down in 2011.

Image for IAS

When I write IAS, I mean this:

IAS means that I will be with you very shortly.

Summary of Key Points

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

IAS
Definition:	In a Second
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of IAS in Sentences

Here are examples of IAS in conversations:

• Jon: How do you keep an idiot in suspense?
• Shania: I don't know. How?
• Jon: I'll tell you IAS.

• Gamer 1: You ready to go?
• Gamer 2: IAS. Just waiting for the game to load.

An Academic Look at IAS

IAS is an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Eye Ay Ess). However, when used with the meaning "In A Second," IAS is not usually said using its letters. It is used for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "Hold On" or "Just A Mo" instead of using the abbreviation IAS.

Example of IAS Used in a Text

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