Picture this: You're messaging a friend or loved one and the conversation is going well. That is, until they use an abbreviation you've never seen before. Is this a spelling error, or is this supposed to mean something?

There's a whole list of slang and shorthand terms that many people use in their day-to-day communications. So much that USA TODAY has been breaking down various examples of text slang; from "ily" to "iykyk".

Some even stand for multiple things, like "rn" and "OP". That's why it's important to know the meaning and usage of each one. Now, it's time to learn another. Here is the definition of and how to use "ig."

What does 'ig' mean?

"IG" is shorthand for "I guess". It's used similar to the full phrase and can be seen in various digital settings, such as while texting or when posting on social media, such as on X (formerly known as "Twitter") or Facebook.

According to Dictionary.com, the usage of "guess" to estimate or suppose something derives from Middle English. "I guess" dates back to the 1600s when the phrase was used to "express moderate or ironic certainty."

Today, this definition still applies. But the phrase can also represent a connotation of snark, reluctance, skepticism or passive-aggressiveness.

"IG" is also used in conversation to abbreviate the social media platform Instagram.

How to use 'ig'

Here are some examples of how to use "ig": 

• "It's your turn to do the dishes." "Fine, ig I'll do it now."
• "Did you see their soft-launch on IG?"
• "Do you want to come over later?" "Nah, I got plans. Sorry." "It's alright ig."

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How do you play Powerball?" to "How did Elvis Presley die?" to "How to start a conversation on a dating app?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers: 

• What does 'iykyk' mean? Get in on the joke and understand how to use this texting slang
• What does 'rn' mean? Here are two definitions you need to know when texting friends.
• What does 'ily' mean? Show your loved ones you care with this text abbreviation
• What does 'OOO' mean? Here's what it means and how to use it when you're away from work
• What does 'EOD' mean? Here's how to use the term to notify deadlines to your coworkers
• Looking for slang explainers? Just 'lmk': Here's what the term means
• What does 'dw' mean? Here's the definition of the text slang and how to use it
• Ending a convo over text? Here's what 'TTYL' means and how to use it
• Sliding in the DMs? Here's what it means and how to use it
• What does 'OP' mean? There's two definitions for the slang. Here's how to use it correctly
• What does 'gts' mean? Definition of text term and how to use it
• What does 'no cap' mean? Here's the definition of the slang term and how to use it
• What does 'WYLL' mean? Here's what the text slang stands for and how to use it
• What does 'rizz' mean? Here's the definition of social media slang term and how to use it
• What does 'WTV' mean? The definition of the texting abbreviation, plus how to use it
• What does 'MBN' mean? Here's what it means and how to use for texts, social media
• What does 'IMO' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
• What does 'wyd' mean? What it means and how to use the acronym correctly in conversation
• What does 'AFK' mean? And examples of how to use it when texting friends
• What does 'OTP' mean? Breaking down the fandom term, slang
• What does 'fwiw' mean? The acronym's definition and how to use it in your conversations
• What does 'smh' mean? Defining the texting acronym and how to use it in your conversations
• What does 'ICYMI' mean? Here's what it means and examples of it used in conversation
• What does 'ngl' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
• What does 'hmu' mean? Get to know Internet, texting acronym
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
• What does 'POV' mean? Breaking down the definition of the abbreviation
• What does 'idk' mean? What the texting slang means and how to use in conversation
• What does 'mid' mean? Here's what the internet slang term means and how to use it
• What does 'OG' mean? Here is what the slang means and how to use it correctly