text messaging
Thumb-typed communication
Text messaging is the exchange of short written messages between mobile phones or other devices.
The messages themselves are called texts or text messages.
As a verb, to text is to send such a message: I'll text you when I get there.
Texting has developed its own conventions—abbreviations, emoji, and casual grammar that would seem odd in formal writing.
Digital pictograph for messaging
- emoticonDigital mood symbol
- stickerAdhesive-backed paper or plastic
- GIFAnimated image format
- memeShared online humor
abbreviations · LOL · BRB · OMW · IMO · textspeak · slang · tone
Fiber for stitching
- chatInformal verbal exchange
- group chatShared messaging conversation
- replyVerbal or written answer
- responseAnswer to stimulus
back-and-forth · exchange · banter · chitchat · check-in · catch-up · gossip · flirting
Array of input keys
- typingEntering text via keyboard
- send buttonControl that transmits messages
- notificationFormal notice given
- read receiptNotice message was opened
typing indicator · timestamp · contact list · block · mute · archive · delete · screenshot
Maximum allowed symbols
- SMS languageAbbreviated mobile messaging style
- alphanumericLetters and digits combined
- carrierOne that transports
- cellularComposed of small units
mobile network · outbox · inbox · sent folder · shortcode
Apple's native texting platform
- WhatsAppMobile messaging platform
- SignalPrivate messaging service
- TelegramEncrypted chat application
- WeChatChinese multipurpose messaging app
Viber · cross-platform · end-to-end encryption · MMS · attachment
emoji
Digital pictograph for messaging
meme · abbreviations · LOL · BRB · OMW · IMO · textspeak · slang · tone · caps lock
thread
Fiber for stitching
- chatInformal verbal exchange
- group chatShared messaging conversation
- replyVerbal or written answer
response · back-and-forth · exchange · banter · chitchat · check-in · catch-up · gossip · flirting · left on read
keyboard
Array of input keys
- typingEntering text via keyboard
- send buttonControl that transmits messages
- notificationFormal notice given
read receipt · typing indicator · timestamp · contact list · block · mute · archive · delete · screenshot · copy paste
character limit
Maximum allowed symbols
- SMS languageAbbreviated mobile messaging style
- alphanumericLetters and digits combined
- carrierOne that transports
cellular · mobile network · outbox · inbox · sent folder · shortcode
iMessage
Apple's native texting platform
WeChat · Viber · cross-platform · end-to-end encryption · MMS · attachment
- telecommunicationscell phone, cellphone, signals, cellular network, telephone calls
- messaging methodsSMS, email, WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram
- mobile servicesdata plan, mobile plan, unlimited plan, prepaid plan, SMS
- phone servicesvoicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, call blocking
- feature phonesfeature phone, flip phone, basic phone, clamshell phone, dumbphone
- digital communicationemail, internet, chat, SMS, voice chat
text messagingphone call
Remote voice conversation
voice call · talking · speaking · verbal communication · oral communication
text messagingface-to-face
Direct personal encounter
in-person · physical presence · video conferencing · FaceTime · telepresence
text messagingcertified mail
Tracked, receipt-confirmed postage
legal notice · business letter · memorandum · registered post
text, message, messenger, messages, texts, texting, texted, messaging, messaged