Without further ado, let’s dive in to what is BTW Full Form, how it’s become an extension of the modern form of communication, and why it’s become an essential part of the digital language we use today.
This is the age of digital communication, fast and easy is the norm. People have a tendency of using short forms and abbreviations while chattering or while posting something online and in order to save time. BTW is surely the largest in use of all those. Whether you’ve read it in the social media site or got texts or overheard it in office is, it’s all over. But what is BTW and when to use it?
What Does BTW Mean?
BTW stands for “By The Way.” It’s internet shorthand stuff or sentences that you use to allow you to bring a new idea, give another idea or bring up the topic in a way that feels natural and seamless. This in turn makes your messages conversational (but in a non-jarring, robotic way).
You might use it when:
- So you have a something to refer to after you are done with your key idea
- In a casual fashion you would like to produce a new subject.
What you have to do is add more information that may not be on-purpose with your post, but still has some level of relevance to your post.
For example:
- By the way I saw your post by the concert and man it looked amazin
- “I’ll be late today, btw. Got stuck in traffic
Too short, too simplistic and works in most informal settings.
When to Use BTW
BTW is best in informal messaging, social medias, passing the rumor mill, etc. It affects the communication it way that the messages flow very light heartedly. Given below are some examples of usage of BTW:
In Text Conversations:
Oh and by the way, have you watched a new Netflix show.
In Social Media Posts:
On the Internet, BTW is very informality and texted by Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
“Just finished my workout. By the way, consistency it will surely makes a difference!
In Work Chats (Informal Teams):
If your team is mired in something like Slack or Teams and you have a shoddy culture you can say:
By the way, I have pushed some new design files into our shared drive.
Keep in mind – it is not that formal in an email or correspondence with a client. In such cases it is better to say things such as ‘Just to let you know’ or ‘For your information.’
Why BTW Works So Well?
BTW is trendy because it makes the communication human like. Long strings of words in complicated patterns could make your writing sound more formal, but abbreviations such as BTW make your writing sound more casual, easygoing, and colloquial (aka “like me”).
It’s also a brilliant transition tool – getting you from A to B with no areas where you’re uncomfortable in the middle. A completely simple keyboard shortcut can be used to weave on to a new idea is to type BTW and just write all your thoughts directly after it.
How BTW Evolved Over Time?
BTW isn’t new. Disrespect has been a part of the internet nearly since its beginning, in the chat rooms and instant messaging capabilities (AOL, Microsoft Messenger, Yahoo). It was first used by the people to type at a speed faster than using standard touch typing especially when chatting over the Internet where every key press was and still is important.
Eventually, BTW has become the norm in the short messages, forum and social media posts. As new dazes came and went (TBH – to be honest, ICYMI – in case you missed it) the timelessness of BTW was its usefulness and versatility.
Today, it has been incorporated into everyday communications, between informal and semi-formal communications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
BTW is easy to use and easy to abuse. There are two things to consider here:
1. Don’t Overuse It.
If you BTW too much, your messages can be considered to be cluttered/ scattered. Used it as little you can and only when it is adding something very important to the flow of your conversation.
2. Avoid It in Formal Writing.
In the correspondence between professionals, especially with clients or business colleagues, the use of these abbreviations such as BTW should be avoided. Either the full phrase or the more appropriate transition should be said or written down.
3. Keep Placement Natural.
BTW usually is used at the beginning or the end of a sentence. If you just did it right in the center then you run the risk of your message not getting across.
Why BTW is still used in Communication today
Although new slang words are coined on a regular basis, BTW is among people in a variety of language situations because of its simplistic nature, politeness at the same time as its versatility. It helps to express the personality, makes the daily communication light, and less formal.
Moreover, it is the universal word – that is known by the people belonging to different generations or locations. Unlike some slangs which are relatively new and some users get confused on, BTW is easy to understand even for users who have some idea about technology.
In a way, BTW has come to symbolize the way communication has evolved with the coming of the digital age – fast, flexible and friendly.
Conclusion
BTW is By The Way, but it is not encountering the same effects on online communication. It is the transfer of thought from one to the other, pleasant flirtation between subjects, a means of naturalising the conversation. Whether you are sending texts to your friends, posting on the internet, or sending a quick work message, sending messages via BTW are made made quick and easy as well as fun.
Just remember: if you want to use it, try to use it naturally, use it to an extent but too much and always know when to fade into formal language. So, you will never more misuse BTW – and your digital communications will flow like never before.
Also Read: What is brb full form?