SVP

What Does SVP Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

SVP means "S'il vous plaît."

More Observations...

It is French for "Please." SVP is used in text-based communication with the meaning "Please." It is an abbreviation of the French phrase "S'il vous plaît," which translates literally into English as "If it pleases you." In offline written communication in English, SVP is often used as part of the abbreviation RSVP ("Répondez s'il vous plaît"), which is French for "Please reply."

Image for SVP

When I write SVP, I mean this:

"S'il vous plaît" is French for "Please."

Summary of Key Points

"S'il vous plaît" (French for "Please)" is, by far, the most common meaning for SVP when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

SVP
Definition:	S'il Vous Pla't (French for Please)
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of SVP in Sentences

Here are examples of SVP in conversations:

• Sam: Do you want to come over and practice French?
• Jo: You bet! SVP.

• Sally: Would you like me to give you her phone number?
• Les: SVP.

An Academic Look at SVP

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Ess Vee Pee"), SVP is classified as an initialism abbreviation. However, it is not spoken using its letters. The abbreviation SVP is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "S'il vous plaît," or "Please" instead of using the abbreviation SVP.

Example of SVP Used in a Text

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