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In this reference, we’ll be exploring the acronym “NGL”, a term that has become widely popular in online conversations and text messaging. As we continue to use more shortcuts in our digital communication, understanding acronyms like “NGL” is essential to staying up to date with informal language.
In this lesson, we will focus on the context and usage of “NGL” in everyday conversations, particularly in social media and messaging. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to use “NGL” effectively and recognize it in others’ messages.
NGL Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “NGL” stands for “Not Gonna Lie.” It is commonly used in informal texting or online conversations to preface a statement that is blunt, honest, or sometimes uncomfortable, indicating that the speaker is being straightforward or truthful.
What Does NGL Mean?
NGL is a popular slang abbreviation that stands for “Not Gonna Lie.” It is commonly used in casual conversations, especially on social media platforms and in text messages. This friendly shorthand expression is typically employed when someone wants to openly admit something that could be embarrassing or when trying to make a criticism or complaint less offensive.
The phrase “Not Gonna Lie” is used to show sincerity and honesty, similar to saying “honestly,” “if I’m being honest,” or “to be honest.” It is a convenient way for someone to share their thoughts or opinions candidly and straightforwardly. For instance, people may use NGL to confess their admiration for a certain movie or express their disappointment in a friend’s behavior.
Here are a few examples of how NGL can be used:
- “NGL, that movie was amazing.”
- “That test was really hard, ngl.”
- “Ngl, I find that person hilarious.”
One thing to note is that, while NGL can be widely understood in the digital space, it may not yet be as recognized in traditional or professional settings. As such, it’s important to be cautious when using slang terms like NGL in more formal or official situations.
What Is NGL’s Origin?
NGL, an abbreviation for “not gonna lie,” has its roots in colloquial language and became popular over time, particularly in social media and text messaging. The phrase “not gonna lie” or “I’m not gonna lie” originated sometime within the last 100 years. It was originally meant to imply honesty or vulnerability, which continues to be its main use today.
In recent years, the adoption of NGL in various digital communication platforms has been significant. The rapid growth and influence of social media and texting have facilitated this rise in usage. NGL has become an informal means of acknowledging potentially embarrassing admissions and is often used to soften negative opinions or complaints.
The use of NGL, however, is not always reserved for genuinely deep or controversial statements. It is often casually used before or after expressing opinions that may not be particularly insightful or impactful. Despite this, NGL remains a popular method of communicating in a straightforward and honest manner, reaffirming the speaker’s authenticity and sincerity.
In summary, NGL is an abbreviation for “not gonna lie” that has gained traction in recent years, mainly due to the proliferation of social media and text messaging. It is used to express honesty, vulnerability, and sometimes as a way to soften negative opinions or complaints.
Usage of NGL
Expressing Honest Opinions:
- To share genuine thoughts or feelings.
- “NGL, that movie was way better than I expected!”
Adding Emphasis to a Statement:
- To highlight the importance or sincerity of what you’re saying.
- “NGL, I’ve been really stressed out lately.”
Introducing Constructive Criticism:
- Softens the impact of an honest critique.
- “NGL, the presentation could’ve been more engaging.”
In Casual Conversations:
- Often used to make the conversation more relatable and candid.
- “NGL, I’m just here for the food.”
Admitting a Truth About Yourself:
- To reveal something personal or self-deprecating.
- “NGL, I’ve been binge-watching that series all week.”
Other Meanings
“NGL” can also stand for natural gas liquids, which would be used primarily in a scientific conversation. Types of NGL are gasoline, crude oil, butane, and propane, just to name a few. It is highly doubtful that you would ever use this acronym in this way unless you are specifically talking about chemicals, which let’s face it, most of us do not do on a daily basis.
Here is the list of other meanings:
- Nordic Green Left
- National Guardian Life
- No Greater Love
- Natural Gas Liquids
- Next Generation Leaders
- National Guardian Life Insurance Company (Madison, WI)
- Natural Ground Level
- Next-Generation Lithography
- National Golf League
- National Grid for Learning
Related Terms to NGL
Similar internet slang words
- “IDC” = I (I) + D (Don’t) + C (Care)
- “TBH” = T (To) + B (Be) + H (Honest)
- “NGLTBH” = N (Not) + G (Going to or gonna) L – (Lie) + T (To) + B (Be) + H (Honest)
- “INGL” = I (I am or I’m) + N (Not) + G (Going to or gonna) + L (Lie)
- “FR” = F (For) + R (Real)
- “FRFR” = F (For) + R (Real) + F (For) + R (Real)
- “STG” = S (Swear) + T (To) + G (God)
- “IMO” = I (In) + M (My) + O (Opinion)
- “IMHO” = I (In) + M (My) + H (Honest) + O (Opinion)
- FWM (F*ck With Me) – Slang used to describe someone who agrees with or is supportive of something, usually to express sincerity or belief in something.
- Honestly – A straightforward way to begin a sentence when expressing a truthful or unembellished opinion.
- Real Talk – Used to introduce a serious, truthful, and often candid statement.
- No Cap – A slang term used to emphasize that something is truthful or genuine, meaning “no lie.”
- Straight Up – Used to emphasize the truth or directness of a statement, similar to saying “honestly.”
- For Real – Similar to “NGL,” used to emphasize honesty or truthfulness in a statement.
- To Be Fair – Used to introduce a balanced or honest viewpoint, often used when explaining a reason or clarifying a position.
“NGL” is often used with “TBH” so that it becomes “NGLTBH”. “Tbh” means to be honest. Why people find it necessary to first say I’m not going to lie, and then follow that with to be honest. To me, it’s basically repetition but most text lingo doesn’t make sense to me in the first place so I’m used to it. You might also see or use “T.B.H.”. Same meaning, just a different format.
There is also a slightly less used “INGL”, or “I’m not going to lie”. Other slang words that might often be used in connection with or in place of “NGL” is “STW”, which is “Swear to God”. Or “FR”, which is “For Real”. Some people often use “frfr” to signify that they are serious about something. This means “for real, for real”. Once again, just repetition. Maybe people think it makes them sound more sincere.
NGL Synonyms
Honest Opinion and TBH
NGL, which stands for “not gonna lie” or “not going to lie,” is a popular internet slang often used to express one’s honest opinion or to describe something that might be embarrassing or harsh. A similar abbreviation often used in a similar context is TBH, which stands for “to be honest.” Both NGL and TBH are typically used when someone wants to express their true feelings or opinions without causing offense.
Other Synonyms
While NGL and TBH are the most common abbreviations for expressing honesty or candidness, there are other synonyms and expressions that can be used to convey the same sentiment:
- Honestly: Just like NGL or TBH, this word is used when someone wants to be straightforward in their communication.
- For real: This phrase can be used to emphasize sincerity and authenticity in a person’s statement.
- No lie: Another way to make it clear that the speaker is being genuine in their statement.
Internet Slang
NGL and TBH are just two examples of the countless internet slang terms used in daily online communication. These abbreviations and acronyms are a widespread and essential part of various platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and online forums. Here are some additional popular internet slang terms that convey honesty or authenticity:
- IMHO: In my humble opinion (used to express a personal viewpoint, with a tone of humility)
- IYAM: In your honest opinion (similar to IMHO, but addressing another person’s opinion)
- TMI: Too much information (used when someone shares a piece of information that might be considered too personal or revealing)
These slang terms and abbreviations have become an essential part of online communication, making it more brief and efficient while also adding a casual and friendly tone.
NGL Examples
NGL on Twitter
Twitter, with its 280-character limit, is the perfect platform for using abbreviations like NGL. Users often employ the acronym to share their real opinions and connect with others. Here are some examples of NGL usage in tweets:
- “NGL, I was confused by the movie’s plot, but the visuals were amazing!”
- “NGL, I have too many unread emails.”
- “NGL, I feel like my cat is judging me when I eat pizza.”
These examples show how users employ NGL in tweets to convey genuine feelings or honest opinions in a friendly manner.
NGL in Other Social Media Platforms
Similar to its frequent use on Twitter, NGL is widely used on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Users incorporate the acronym into their posts and comments to express honesty or vulnerability. Here are some examples:
- Facebook: “NGL, I’m super nervous for my job interview tomorrow.”
- Instagram: “NGL, I wasn’t sure about this dress, but it’s growing on me! 👗🤔💖”
- Snapchat: “NGL, I’m pretty proud of my workout progress.”
In conclusion, the friendly tone brought by NGL allows users to connect with their friends and followers by sharing honest thoughts and feelings, making conversations more genuine across various social media platforms.
Conversation Examples
Here are some examples of how these acronyms might be used:
Example 1 using “NGL” (Not Going to Lie)
- Speaker 1: ngl that color doesn’t look good on you
- Speaker 2: omg fr?? My bf said he likes it
- Speaker 1: he’s a guy ijs
- Speaker 2: right lmao
**In this conversation, speaker 1 has elected to tell speaker 2 something that seems a little harsh but she informs the other person first before being blunt.
- “OMG” = O (Oh) + M (My) + G (God or gosh)
- “BF” = B (Boy) + F (Friend)
- “IJS” = I (I’m or I am) + J (Just) + S (Saying)
- “LMAO” = L (Laughing) + M (My) + A (A$$) + O (Off)
(This can also be phrased LMBO where the B stands for butt instead of the swear word)
Example 2 using “NGL” (Not Going to Lie)
- Speaker 1: ngl Mr. Smith looks good in those pants
- Speaker 2: eww he’s old like 40
- Speaker 1: idc imo older guys are hot
- Speaker 2: you are so weird
- Speaker 1: ik
**In this conversation, Speaker 1 is admitting the truth about something, even though her friend thinks it’s weird.
- “IK” = I (I) + K (Know)
Example 3 with “NGL” (Not Going to Lie)
- Speaker 1: ngl but you are so damn beautiful
- Speaker 2: Aww ty
- Speaker 1: you wanna get a drink?
- Speaker 2: I have a bf
- Speaker 1: He ain’t gotta know he ain’t invited.
- Speaker 2: What time?
**In this example, Speaker 1 is using “ngl” as a way to flirt with a girl through messaging, even though she has a boyfriend, which she obviously doesn’t seem to care about either.
- “TY” = T (Thank) + Y (You)
Example 4 with “NGLTBH” (Not Going to Lie To Be Honest)
- Speaker 1: Dude did your mom catch you
- Speaker 2: Naw! I got away with it
- Speaker 1: Fr? Wth ngltbh I thought we were busted
- Speaker 2: m2 omg I was freaking out
- Speaker 1: Def need to be more careful
- Speaker 2: Agreed
**In this conversation, Speaker 1 uses a lot of shorthand to show his shock and excitement over getting away with whatever thing they did that they weren’t supposed to do. Shame shame.
- “WTH” = W (What) + T (The) + H (Hell)
- “M2” = M (Me) + 2 (Too)
“Def” means definitely.
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