While commonly associated with “long-term relationship” especially in online dating, LTR has another hidden meaning in the world of texting and online gaming. In these contexts, LTR takes on a more casual and fleeting role, simply meaning “later.”
Where You’ll See LTR (“Later”)
LTR for “later” thrives in informal communication channels:
- Texting: This is the natural habitat for LTR as a goodbye or a way to acknowledge you’ll talk again soon, same as slang TS or TTYL. It’s quick, informal, and easily understood between friends.
Example:
You and a friend are making plans:
You: “Hey wanna grab coffee tomorrow?” Friend: “Sounds good! Can’t do morning though. LTR?”
- Gaming: Online gaming chats often see LTR pop up, particularly in casual conversations between teammates or friends. It’s a faster way to say goodbye after a match or during breaks.
Example:
Wrapping up a game session:
You: “Good game everyone! GGs (good games).” Teammate 1: “GGs! LTR” Teammate 2: “Yeah LTR. See you next time.”
Where LTR (“Later”) Might Not Be Used
While LTR has its place, it’s not universally used:
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Twitter favor full words or emojis for brevity. You’ll likely see “later” or a thumbs-up emoji instead.
- Real Life: Although technically possible to say “LTR” in person, it’s not common. Spoken language leans towards full phrases like “see you later” or “talk to you soon.”
LTR vs. L8R
LTR shares the spotlight with another abbreviation, L8R. Both mean “later” and function similarly. The choice often comes down to personal preference or typing speed.
In A Nutshell
LTR offers a quick and informal way to say goodbye or indicate you’ll be back in texting and online gaming conversations. However, it’s best suited for these casual settings and might not translate well to other communication styles.
Google trends Chart showing usage of acronym LTR in past year.
