IRLY

What Does IRLY Mean in a Text?

The Growing Glossary of Dating Slang

If you're new to online dating, then I'm afraid there is whole new language with well over 250 terms for you to learn.

Particularly since the rise of the iKids, people have been far more open about their sexual preferences and desires, and this has generated a long glossary of new dating terms. Many sexual preferences are still abbreviated on dating sites, presumably with the idea that those who do not understand the term do not need to know it. That thinking does not help newcomers though. Here is the term you're looking for:

IRLY means "I Really Like You" or "I Really Love You."

More Detail...

The abbreviation IRLY is commonly used with the meaning "I Really Like You" or "I Really Love You" to let the recipient know they are special to the sender. The addition of "really" usually serves to emphasize the depth of emotion. However, when used with the meaning "I Really Like You," IRLY can have either positive or negative connotations for the recipient. For example:

• IRLY. You always know just what to say.
• IRLY too. Even though I have only known you for such a short time.
(Here, IRLY has very positive connotations and indicates that this relationship has the potential to develop into something more serious.)
• You are so much more than a friend to me. I don't think I could live without you.
• IRLY. It's always nice to chat.
(Here, IRLY indicates that this relationship is probably not going to develop into anything more romantic.)

Image for IRLY

When I write IRLY, I mean this:

IRLY also means "I Really Love You."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for IRLY

IRLY means "I Really Like You." This is the most common definition for IRLY in texting and on messaging apps like Instagram and TikTok.

IRLY
Definition:	I Really Like You
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for IRLY

IRLY also means "I Really Love You":

IRLY
Definition:	I Really Love You
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of IRLY in Sentences

Here are examples of IRLY in conversations:

• Her: I'm busy every night this week.
• Him: Oh... but, IRLY.

• Ryan: Do you like me?
• Sian: IRLY.
• Ryan: Fancy going for a drink sometime?
• Sian: I thought you'd never ask.

An Academic Look at IRLY

The abbreviation IRLY is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Eye Arr Ell Why). However, it is not usually spoken using its letters. The abbreviation IRLY is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "I Really Like You" or "I Really Love You" instead of using the abbreviation IRLY.

Example of IRLY Used in a Text

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