TXTNG: the gr8 db8.

Texting has several unique features that attract users of all ages. David Crystal identifies six of these traits in his chapter entitled, "What makes texting so distinctive?" from his book, TXTNG: The Gr8 Db8. These include: pictograms and logograms, initialisms, omitted letters, nonstandard spellings, shortenings, and genuine novelties.

1) Pictograms and logograms are the most noticeable features in texting. Logograms can be used either alone or in combination with other letters and/or words.
Examples of logograms:
b = be
2 = to/two/too
@ = at
b4 = before
2day = today

When visual shape is what matters, graphic devices called emoticons are used. These are normally used to represent pictures and faces through texts. If this is the case, they are known as pictograms. Several hundred emoticons exist, however only a select few are used regularly.
Examples: :), :(, :P, ;), etc.

2) Initialisms are often called acronyms, like NATO or BBC. With text messaging, everyday words are shortened for quick communication. Initials are used for single words, compounded words, phrases, and even whole sentences.

Examples for single words: n = no, w = with, y = yes
Examples for compounded words: gf = girlfriend, dl = download
Examples for phrases: np = no problem, ftf = face to face
Examples for whole sentences: cmb = call me back, swdyt = so what do you think

3) Omitted letters are less noticeable than intialisms, but are far more common. Normally, the letters dropped are vowels. This feature is altered quite often. It changes with every person who texts, and there are sometimes more than one version of a word.

Examples: msg = message, fwd = forward, btwn = between, 2nite, 2nt, tnight = tonight

4) Nonstandard spellings occur, both intentionally and unknowingly. Regardless of whether or not the person texting knows how to spell correctly, he/she may still spell a word wrong. The reasons for this vary upon the user. Some nonstandard spellings are used so often, they have been given entires in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Examples of nonstandard spellings are easy to spot: cos, cuz = because, luv = love, skool = school, thanx = thanks

5) Shortenings occur when a word is reduced by omitting an important component. This can happen either at the end or the beginning of a word. There have been shortenings recorded in history books dating back to the origin of writing. Many words have become used as everyday terms themselves.

Examples of shortenings: prob = probably, approx = approximately, exam = examination, fridge = refrigerator

6) A genuine novelty is made within texting when language play has improved or increased. All of the six distinct features of texting can be juxtaposed. This allows for a vast array of word and sentence combinations. However, novelties are not used often. It solely depends on the person utilizing texting, and whether or not he/she is conservative or innovative
Example of a novelty: iydkidkwd = if you don't know, I don't know who does

Personally, I use texting on a daily basis. However, I only use three of the six traits featured in this chapter (logograms, initialisms, and shortenings).

How often do you text? Do you use any of the six mentioned characteristics of texting? Should there be any additional attributes added to these six?