ODL

What Does ODL Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

ODL means "Oh Dear Lord."

More Observations...

ODL is often used to express despair when all is not well, but it can also be used to express astonishment (much like much like OMG (Oh, my God) and OMD (Oh, my days)).

Image for ODL

When I write ODL, I mean this:

ODL means "Oh, dear Lord."

Summary of Key Points

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

ODL
Definition:	Oh Dear Lord
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of ODL in Sentences

Here are examples of ODL in conversations:

• Tony: The cost of petrol has gone up again.
• Jordan: What! That's six times in the last week, ODL.

• Tony: ODL, I'm locked out the house.
• Jordan: Luckily, I have your spare keys with me.

An Academic Look at ODL

ODL is an interjection. An interjection is not grammatically related to any other part of the sentence. It is included in a sentence (usually at the start) to express a sentiment such as surprise, disgust, joy, excitement, or enthusiasm. Of note, ODL is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Oh Dee Ell), but as this is harder to say than "Oh Dear Lord," it is not often uttered using its letters. In other words, the abbreviation ODL is 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 "Oh, whatever next" instead of ODL.

Example of ODL Used in a Text

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