ISLY

What Does ISLY Mean in a Text?

Expressing Love in a Text

There are over 100 novel ways to express love in a text message. Some of them were invented by the iKids (i.e., Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation A), making them just a few decades old, but many of them have been around for centuries. Here's the one that matters to you: ISLY means "I Still Love You."

More Observations...

The abbreviation ISLY is typically used with the meaning "I Still Love You" as a light-hearted response to friendly criticism or to reassure the recipient that what has just been said or done has not had a damaging effect on their relationship with the sender. ISLY is also often used by a love-struck sender who cannot accept that their devotion is not reciprocated. In this context, ISLY usually represents a sad appeal to continue with or renew the relationship. ISLY is very similar in meaning and use to the abbreviations SLY (Still Love You) and BISLY (But, I Still Love You). In 2017, French singer Tom Leeb released a poignant track entitled "I Still Love You," which captures the emotions of the break-up of a relationship. (It is probably not one to listen to if you've just been dumped!)

Image for ISLY

When I write ISLY, I mean this:

ISLY is used between friends and (ex-) lovers.

Summary of Key Points

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

ISLY
Definition:	I Still Love You
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of ISLY in Sentences

Here are examples of ISLY in conversations:

• Maria: It's over.
• David: But, ISLY. I thought you loved me.
(Here, ISLY indicates an appeal to continue with a relationship.)

• Trish: I have blisters all over my face.
• Rebecca: Ugh! That sounds awful! But, don't worry ISLY.
(Here, ISLY is friendly reassurance.)

An Academic Look at ISLY

ISLY is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Eye Ess Ell Why). However, it is not usually spoken using its letters. The abbreviation ISLY is typically used for efficiency in writing rather than for efficiency in speech. ISLY is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It is not normally used as a part of speech within a wider sentence.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "I Still Love You" instead of using ISLY.

Example of ISLY Used in a Text

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