REC

What Does Rec Mean?

The Quick Answer

Rec means "Recommendation" and "Recreation."

More Detail...

Here is some more information on each of these definitions of Rec.

Recommendation

As the practice of giving and seeking recommendations for everything from restaurants and books to doctors and schools has become increasingly common on social media and in general chat, the terms "rec" and "recs" have become more-and-more popular with the meanings "recommendation" and "recommendations." For example:

Can you rec a good tailor in town?
The weather's going to be terrible this weekend. Any recs for a series to binge?

Recreation

The term "rec" can also mean "recreation." In this context, "rec" is used to refer to activities that individuals or groups participate in for enjoyment, amusement, or relaxation. In this sense, "rec" is often part of broader terms like "rec room," "recreation ground," or "rec center," when referring to facilities designed specifically for leisure activities ranging from sports to crafts.For example:

Are you coming to the rec to play soccer?
We are meeting in the rec room at 3 pm.

Image for Rec

When I write Rec, I mean this:

Rec usually means "recommendation" or "recreation."

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

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