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By Christina C., Hopedale, MA

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Email me when Christina C. contributes work

You need to send a quick text to your mom to tell her soccer practice is canceled. In an effort not to get caught, you reach ever so slowly, skillfully, and one-handedly into your backpack. Drawing your bright purple handheld lifeline from the front pocket, you are careful not to press any button that will reveal your mission to Mr. Boring, who is yapping away at the front of the room. With the phone in your lap, you try not to look down as you type: “sccer canceled! pick^ @2 thx <3.”

Photo credit: Adam S., Kingdom City, MO

Sent. You slip it into you pocket, fearing you will not be able to discreetly get it back in your bag. But wait … your BFF Lucy’s hair looked utterly ridiculous when you passed her in the hall on your way to bio. It’s unthinkable to wait until lunch to tell her. Only a horrid friend would let her saunter around with a mortifying hairdo! So, you repeat the sneaky process of texting: “Fix ur hair, its sticking ^!!!!” Now, not only have you just missed two whole possibly important minutes of Mr. Boring’s lecture, but you have furthered the decline of your spelling and vocabulary.

Could you understand the title of this article? Anyone who has ever texted or used instant messaging can. Most teens love to text. What our English teachers, parents, and future employers would prefer us to say is “I love grammar,” which most of us don’t. There are times when we have to use proper grammar and times when we don’t. The problem is that the line between when to spell-check and proofread and when to just type and send is becoming blurred and almost invisible.

The way we type when we use virtual communication devices affects the way we spell – not just when we’re in a rush, but on school or job assignments too. Ever caught yourself writing u instead of you in an essay for school? What about tho instead of though? In a world where instant gratification is everything, we simply do not take the time to add the few extra letters. Although teens today will eventually become the ones who set the standards for spelling and grammar, our elders are calling the shots now, and they tend to look down on spelling and grammatical errors. This could easily affect one’s grades or job opportunities.

Notice it or not, the words we choose, or rather don’t choose, when we use informal communication have significance. Rarely in a text message will a teen use the extensive vocabulary preached by our educators. Seldom do we see the word exultant for happy, morose for sad, querulous for annoyed, or ecstatic for glad in a text. We must reawaken this vast glossary of obscure and unused words if we expect to succeed on exams like the SATs that affect our future.

So, go ahead, work your fingers to the bone texting, but before you hit send, think about what you have written. Consider the words you chose and the way you spelled them and maybe, just maybe, you will retype your message.

This piece has also been published in Teen Ink's monthly print magazine.

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This article has 127 comments. Post your own!

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NaCheezIt said...
Feb. 18 at 8:02 pm:

I love texting. But I never use chatspeak. It bothers me to see it. Not everyone is like this!

AsherJ replied...
Mar. 12 at 9:25 pm :

I completely agree! I still type out full words. My mom make me type my messages like emails, so not all teenagers talk in text language

patty-watty replied...
Mar. 12 at 11:55 pm :

Agreed, that is the reason why I think everyone should have a phone with a keyboard, so that its just as quick as cutting out a few letters. Plus, I love grammar. Haha.

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juicyfan6 said...
Feb. 18 at 7:55 pm:

lol my mom uses chatspeak more than I do too. It creeps me out when she writes "lmao" and that sort of stuff when we're texting. My mom texts A LOT.

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Katherine D. said...
Feb. 18 at 5:21 am:

I actually never use chatspeak when texting. Now anyone reading this would probably assume I don't text very much, but I do. All the time. Ask my mom and Dad. Even online, I only use it to parody my best friend and how even though she may be the smartest girl in our grade, she still uses texters talk. I write my messags out so fully to the point that if I tell my mom to pick me up, I end up typing two thirty insted of 2:30 because I am so used to going the extra mile when I type.

writer658 replied...
Feb. 18 at 3:06 pm :

I know, I really never use chatspeak, actually it surprised me the other day that I even use BRB, but mainly because when I have to say it, I have to go somewhere really quick, so typing out be-right-back wastes time

Katherine D. replied...
Feb. 18 at 3:10 pm :

My mom uses chatspeak more then I do, so it always creeps me out when she writes 'u' instead of you.

writer658 replied...
Feb. 18 at 3:14 pm :

my mom uses perfect grammar, but I'm pretty close with my best friend's mother, and when I talk to her on facebook chat, she sometimes says 'u' and 'y' instead of 'you' and 'why'. It's really weird.

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Shelby A. said...
Feb. 12 at 11:08 am:

This is very true. I kinda agree in a way, my english teacher informed her classes on the first day of school that she wont stand poor grammar. She talks constantly about texting effecting our grammar. I am dyslexic and very often mis spell words , but I reliezed texting has actually helped me ! it corrects some of my mistakes ! My english teacher recently reliezed that my grammar has improved since i told her that texting was helping me ! Sh'e blown away by my improvment . But i'm one... (more »)

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corri123 said...
Feb. 10 at 1:34 pm:

i think texting is so cool and if yiou do not have a phone or you do not know how to text or you dont have texting on your phone then you need texting. ones you have it you can never stop texting!!!!!!!!!!

writer658 replied...
Feb. 18 at 3:08 pm :

I disagree. I don't have a phone and I don't want one, and I think texting could be handy at times, but I do believe that texting nonstop will damage your eyes in the long run.
by the way- you*, once*,

kenz replied...
Mar. 10 at 11:55 am :

Telling words are awesome but I hardly ever use them. I spell it all out most of the time... but that doesn't matter. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.:) So bye, HAVE FUN TEXING EVERYBODY!!:)

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thepreechyteenager said...
Jan. 27 at 6:26 pm:

I get what you're saying in your article, but I don't think that the message is very urging. Yes, few people take the time to spell out words when texting, but the reason for this isn't just the laziness the texter. When using text language, you considerably slim down your chances or being caught by Mr. Boring, and increase your chances of fitting in. I'm not saying that you should try to conform, or that using texting words will make your popularity soar, but it is the des... (more »)

Nick17 replied...
Jan. 28 at 10:41 pm :

Wait a minute. Let us look at the core issue here. Stop texting in class. Duh.
On top of that, my friend and I text each other back and forth all of the time. We use proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and real words to boot. I am insulted when someone sends me a mesage that is missing vowels. Am I that unimportant to them that they can't take an extra 13 seconds to write properly? I TAed a class once, and docked points on all assignments if I saw "tho" or "u"... (more »)

thepreechyteenager replied...
Jan. 29 at 5:21 pm :

Wow- really? Do you really dislike abbreviated words that much? I mean, when I see 'Dr.' before someone's name or "M.D" after it, I usually think that person is pretty smart, not slow! ~joke~
Self respect requires proper grammar? Perhaps this is true for you, but all people have different values, and you have got to respect that no one else is you, and no one else has the exact same values. You value grammar and respect yourself, but other people value family, ... (more »)

Nick17 replied...
Jan. 31 at 1:23 am :

Are you attempting to say that because I value grammar, I do not value fmaily, friends, or school work? Interesting concept. I do not dislike abbreviations. I dislike when words are intentionally misspelled or used improperly. 'U' is a letter, not a word. 'Ur' reminds me of a noise a caveman would grunt. 'LOL', 'txt', 'ppl', 'w/', 'ty'... all of this is pure laziness.

thepreechyteenager replied...
Jan. 31 at 8:33 am :

A.) No, that was never said, implied, or hinted at by any of my comments. I don't appreciate you trying to twist my words into something they are not. My words are my opinion, open to criticism but not being changed by those who are not me. Of coarse people have more that one value!
There's an 'Interesting concept' for you.
B.) I am however saying, that grammar isn't a concern at all to other people. I recommend you respect that,(if you didn't catch... (more »)

Nick17 replied...
Jan. 31 at 2:20 pm :

"You value grammar and respect yourself, but other people value family, friends, school work, sports, or social status".
Did you proof read that before you sent it?
On top of that, everytime I ask someone why they would write in such a way, the top two answers are, "faster" and "easier." Doing things the fast and easy way instead of the long and hard way... I'm pretty sure that is a sign of laziness. In fact, the definition of lazy is, "Unwi... (more »)

thepreechyteenager replied...
Jan. 31 at 3:45 pm :

Oh, so you want to play grammar games now do you? Well, okay then Mr. "TAed" or "fmaily"- try me. Yes, I make spelling and grammar mistakes. Quite obviously, so do you. As I type this into the little 'Comments/ feedback' box, I notice that the words you misspelled and I restated have been underlined in red, a sign telling you "Hello, these words are spelled wrong!" So, did you, the one who values grammar, spell check your comments before you sent them?... (more »)

Nick17 replied...
Jan. 31 at 6:27 pm :

Step outside your little box. My computer does not automatically underline misspelled words. I do not get those handy little tips as I type. Only in Word.
"Standers." Enough said, I suppose.
Honest mistakes are fine. Intentionally mangling the language is gross.
Your Mozart comparison? That was simply silly. Pure and simple. You have absolutely no idea what you are saying anymore.
And yes- Most texters are lazy, when it comes to texting. That is what the... (more »)

thepreechyteenager replied...
Feb. 1 at 2:59 pm :

OK- i officially give ^. when i go on Teen ink, i usually type like this. sorry. i've tried to get u 2 be more accepting of text talking, apparently in vain. whatever. you may not be able to ever understand why people text talk, (hint- the reason is not laziness) but i can at leat know that i tried to tell you. apparently my original comment stuck out, poeple some one felt o sooooo compelled to disagree again and again
And most of all I'm sorry Christina C., I would want two... (more »)

dallideciever replied...
Feb. 18 at 4:57 am :

hey! its not laziness that causes us to us texting words, its something to do with limited letter count! hello!? nick17 its not laziness. i (personally) agree with thepreechyteenager

Trinity4not_111 replied...
Feb. 18 at 7:11 am :

Preechyteacher you are correct, stop arguing the hypocrite who spends his time arguing people you do not even know. The only reason I am on here is because I am forced to but your comment dispute is funny. People shorten their texts so that incase of emergency, we have created something. Now I am a person who only abbreviates in emergencies. But if you want to call me lazy, go on your own hypocritical words. My computer also doesn't have a spell check, but I proofread. It's quite a sha... (more »)

thepreechyteenager replied...
Feb. 18 at 3:07 pm :

lol- yeah. great view Trinity. but one thing- my name is teenager, not teacher lol

Trinity$Not Cheapie! replied...
Feb. 23 at 3:26 pm :

Sorry! I swore it said teacher on one post

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Laughternchoclate said...
Jan. 27 at 4:11 pm:

I mean yeah, I get your point, but if i gotta text my mom or someone, i wait till passing time.

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nicolekelliher133 said...
Jan. 5 at 9:48 pm:

i think the only thing worse is when people speak text. like when girls scream out "OMG" or "LOL"

Parchambomooses replied...
Feb. 4 at 11:14 am :

I KNOW! It's soooo annoying! :D

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shakespeare418 said...
Jan. 5 at 8:30 pm:

Amen to that. As a self-professed facebook addict, I'm really trying to understand how truly essential these things are, so I'm on day two of my month of from facebook. While facebook can be nice to shoot someone a quick "hi there" and texting can be fine to make plans for lunch, I am finding that in excess, they are hurting me more than they are helping me. With the push of one button, I can reach five hundred something friends and spread and receive gossip faster than a ... (more »)

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harpangel said...
Jan. 5 at 6:43 pm:

it's kind of ironic that i was texting while reading this article, but anyway, this is like the third how texting affects you article i've read, but i think i need to rethink my texting becuase it does affect me in my writing

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emilli said...
Jan. 5 at 6:05 pm:

I actually always write in completely correct grammar and capitalization. But I do put an awful lot of smiley faces (;

Miss_Bliss replied...
Jan. 16 at 8:49 am :

Oh my god, you could be my twin! I'm exactly the same way; often, people look at me funnily when I use a big word, and I have to translate into "normal speak." I correct everyone's grammar, and twinge when my teachers use improper grammar... Also, I use an awful lot of smilies, too. :) Grammar lovers unite!

Writedancelove&live replied...
Jan. 27 at 1:40 am :

I do the same exact thing. I don't use big words too often, but it does happen. I do however write out all of my words unless i'm trying to shorten it to make all of my words fit. And I absolutely love smilies : )

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RoboCop said...
Jan. 5 at 6:03 pm:

i completely agree with your piece. i sometimes use shortened versions of words because of the character maximum number. usually, i will spell the words out entirely. it's better to spell out what you mean because there are some teens that do not use that kind of "language". then, most of our parents don't text a lot so they are going to be used to the grammer they learned in school.

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Allegria-Starling said...
Jan. 5 at 6:14 am:

I DO use short form while texting, but mostly because it uses less money for my phone... I don't think I use it anywhere else though.
Have you heard of this funny study? It showed that in France, students who were better at spelling were the ones who used abbreviations most when texting or instant messaging!

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Mcgrabbin said...
Dec. 14, 2009 at 10:17 pm:

I am seeing the same thing over and over:
"As long as [people know the difference]"
It is getting to the point where people no longer know the difference between "textspeak" and proper grammar.
The first rule of writing is to know your audience, if you don't write to your audience then your work is useless.
"Textspeak" is impermissible to use in everyday speech and should not be used in the majority of your writing. A large percentage of... (more »)

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~*HopelesslyCrushed*~ said...
Dec. 14, 2009 at 6:45 pm:

i totally agree with you on this. GREAT OPINION!!! :D
But, it is alot easier to talk in txt form when ur in a hurry.
But saying stuff like:
il b bk L8r c u 2mor
IS rediculous. i have friends email me like that.
It says i'll be back later see you tomorrow.
:/ i had a hard time reading it too. and i typed it lol.

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YellowCat/RedCat said...
Dec. 14, 2009 at 6:57 am:

I use full grammar while texting, I don't see the point in not. It takes much longer to try to decipher a ridiculous abbreviation.
I enjoyed your article. It was insightful for those oblivious.

Cassidy replied...
Jan. 4 at 1:53 pm :

i also write out full words. the only thing i don't do when typing / texting (obviously) is capitalize. i'm not sure why i don't; i just like how it looks better.
regardless, i use completely proper grammar and spelling when it comes to school assignments and my writing.
articles like this bother me: as a teenager who texts, i find them extremely condescending. i can honestly say, out of the dozens of people i text / instant message, the kind that use 'chatspeak&... (more »)

YellowCat/RedCat replied...
Jan. 4 at 2:59 pm :

I agree, I rarely fully capitalize in texting or instant messaging.
I also agree on the fact that this condescending to the population that does not use chat abbreviations, but my opinion differs on the number of population. As far as I've seen, the majority, at least, uses 'lol' or 'brb' or 'idk'.
To be honest, I'm extremely upset that electronic media is deteriorating the English language and print media. I plan to be in journalism and I lo... (more »)

Cassidy replied...
Jan. 5 at 5:14 pm :

that's true, in regards to your comment about things such as 'lol', 'brb', and 'idk'. i was referring to the examples in the article ('^' for up, '2' for to, taking out pretty much all vowels, etc).
as far as texting being the cause of the downfall of our entire generation's social, literary, and academic futures, i have to disagree.

Christina C replied...
Jan. 6 at 6:31 pm :

Thank you for appreciating my article for what it is. I really don't care if, or how the majority of teenagers text, my goal was to simply make them cognizant of the fact that not exercising good grammer and spelling words correctly and creep up in unexpected places. I'm sure no one would purposefully use "text lingo" in a school essay, but you write the way you're used to. If you do it wrong at practice, there's no promiss you'll fix it at the game.

YellowCat/RedCat replied...
Jan. 6 at 10:01 pm :

I'm loving the metaphor.

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ashley11 said...
Dec. 12, 2009 at 5:55 pm:

wow this message really suprised me because I didn't know that the way I text effected my grades in school!

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Hersheygurl said...
Dec. 11, 2009 at 6:21 pm:

I love to text and there is nothing wrong with abbreviating when texting as long as you don't do it on english papers.

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Querulous said...
Dec. 10, 2009 at 9:32 pm:

Querulous is not a synonym for annoyed. Ruined your whole article for me. I'm sorry but mini rant about vocabulary and you get your vocab.

scotchtapedreams replied...
Jan. 27 at 5:14 pm :

While I agreed on a lot of what you mentioned in the article, I have to disagree with the vocabulary point. Who was it? -- C.S. Lewis, I think, who said: Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.
If I'm ecstatic, I'll say so. Otherwise, I'll say happy because that's what I am. They aren't the same ... (more »)

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wordnerd said...
Dec. 7, 2009 at 8:43 pm:

I don't text much...but I do talk a lot on MSN. As long as you don't get so into the "texting language" that you stop using proper grammer and spelling, it's fine to write like that when you are talking to your friends. Just make sure you DO NOT do that on your collage exams. :D

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HollyFac said...
Dec. 7, 2009 at 7:20 pm:

As long as people know the difference between texting to make plans this weekend and writing a college essay, we should be okay. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't. Personally, since I have a full keyboard on my phone, I use mostly correct grammar and spelling, but that's just me. Mind you, I'm planning on being an English/Lit major when I graduate. I'm thinking that could have something to do with it!
In any case, if you haven't noticed, we also talk different.... (more »)

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Sximamma said...
Dec. 7, 2009 at 7:07 pm:

Honestly I think we should be able to txt in class I play Softball all year. And my coach txts me and I got my phone taken away so we should be able to use them in class

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