SYL

What Does SYL Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

SYL means "See You Later."

More Observations...

The use of the abbreviation SYL can be taken literally to mean that the sender will be meeting the recipient face-to-face sometime during the same day. However, it is just as often used to indicate that they will be in touch again soon, either by telephone, email or text message. The abbreviation SYL is often used at the end of a conversation, whether or not the sender expects to meet with or even contact the recipient again soon. There are many other abbreviations used to represent the phrase "See You Later," including:

• CUL.
• CUL8ER.
• CUL8R.
• CYL8R.
• LATA.
• LATERS.

Image for SYL

When I write SYL, I mean this:

SYL is a casual way of saying "Goodbye."

Summary of Key Points

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

SYL
Definition:	See You Later
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of SYL in Sentences

Here are examples of SYL in conversations:

• Pat: I'm going to netball now.
• Chris: Okay. SYL.

• Poppy: You're dumped.
• Myles: Your loss. SYL.
(Here, SYL is being used sarcastically.)

An Academic Look at SYL

SYL is typically used as a declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It acts as a salutation at at the end of a conversation. As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Ess Why Ell"), SYL is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "See You Later" instead of using the abbreviation SYL.

Example of SYL Used in a Text

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