If you’ve spent any time online, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Reddit, chances are you’ve come across the acronym “NGL.” It stands for “Not Gonna Lie,” and it’s often used before sharing a blunt truth, a personal opinion, or even a confession.
NGL softens the blow of honesty—it signals authenticity, vulnerability, or sometimes sarcasm. It’s become part of a broader communication style where being “real” is valued more than being polished.
But like all slang, “NGL” isn’t always appropriate in every situation or audience. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives—acronym-style phrases and expressions—that convey similar meanings but vary in tone, directness, and context.
In this article, you’ll find 30 alternatives to “NGL,” each with a clear meaning, example sentence, and notes on when it’s best used.
💬 30 Alternatives to the “NGL” Acronym
1. TBH (To Be Honest)
Meaning: Shares truth or opinion sincerely.
Example: TBH, I didn’t like the ending of that movie.
Best for: General honesty in casual conversation.
2. FR (For Real)
Meaning: Emphasizes truth or agreement.
Example: FR, that test was impossible.
Best for: Agreeing or emphasizing authenticity.
3. IDC (I Don’t Care)
Meaning: Expresses apathy or detachment.
Example: IDC what we eat tonight—anything’s fine.
Best for: Casual chats where disinterest is relevant.
4. IMO (In My Opinion)
Meaning: Softens a subjective statement.
Example: IMO, she should’ve won the award.
Best for: Sharing opinions without sounding aggressive.
5. IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)
Meaning: Insider truth or shared knowledge.
Example: That reference… IYKYK.
Best for: Niche humor, shared experiences.
6. Deadass
Meaning: Completely serious; not joking.
Example: Deadass, I’m never doing that again.
Best for: Urban slang with strong emphasis.
7. Lowkey
Meaning: Slightly or secretly feeling something.
Example: Lowkey, I kinda loved that awkward moment.
Best for: Downplaying emotions or confessions.
8. Highkey
Meaning: Openly or strongly feeling something.
Example: Highkey, I miss summer break.
Best for: Bold admissions.
9. Real Talk
Meaning: Introduction to a serious or honest comment.
Example: Real talk, we need to stop avoiding this.
Best for: Face-to-face or group discussions.
10. Just Sayin’
Meaning: Ends a comment that may sound blunt.
Example: You haven’t replied in two days—just sayin’.
Best for: Light sarcasm or passive-aggressive tones.
11. No Cap
Meaning: I’m not lying; serious truth.
Example: No cap, that pizza changed my life.
Best for: Gen Z slang; exaggerated truth.
12. TBF (To Be Fair)
Meaning: Offers a balanced or honest view.
Example: TBF, they did warn us about the delay.
Best for: Offering a different or fairer angle.
13. Srsly (Seriously)
Meaning: Emphasizes the truth or intensity of a point.
Example: Srsly, that movie had me crying.
Best for: Text or informal settings.
14. Bruh, I Gotta Say…
Meaning: Casual lead-in to an honest opinion.
Example: Bruh, I gotta say… you snapped with that outfit.
Best for: Playful, conversational tone.
15. I’m Not Even Gonna Lie
Meaning: Longer version of NGL for emphasis.
Example: I’m not even gonna lie, that was brutal.
Best for: Slightly more dramatic or intense honesty.
16. Truth Be Told
Meaning: Formal or literary honesty.
Example: Truth be told, I never liked the job.
Best for: Writing or reflective conversations.
17. I Can’t Lie
Meaning: Signals an honest confession.
Example: I can’t lie, I was jealous.
Best for: Vulnerable or emotional moments.
18. Let’s Be Real
Meaning: Cues realism or bluntness.
Example: Let’s be real, that plan’s never going to work.
Best for: Realistic takes or tough truths.
19. Just Being Honest
Meaning: Softens a personal critique.
Example: You didn’t try your best—just being honest.
Best for: Gentle honesty or advice.
20. Not Even Gonna Front
Meaning: Street-style honesty.
Example: Not even gonna front, I was scared.
Best for: Urban or hip-hop influenced slang.
21. Honestly
Meaning: Simple, direct truth.
Example: Honestly, I didn’t expect that.
Best for: Everyday honesty in all contexts.
22. I Swear
Meaning: Promise something is true.
Example: I swear I saw him at the mall yesterday.
Best for: Emphatic or urgent honesty.
23. Real Ones Know
Meaning: Truth for those in-the-know.
Example: That track hit different—real ones know.
Best for: Community slang, music, or culture talk.
24. Straight Up
Meaning: No filter; direct truth.
Example: Straight up, I didn’t like the vibe.
Best for: When you want to be very clear.
25. Legit
Meaning: Genuine or real.
Example: That was a legit reaction, not staged.
Best for: Validating feelings or events.
26. No Lie
Meaning: Confirms truth behind a statement.
Example: No lie, that was the best burger I’ve ever had.
Best for: Informal conversations.
27. I Ain’t Gonna Lie
Meaning: Colloquial honesty opener.
Example: I ain’t gonna lie, I cried during that episode.
Best for: Relaxed, regional speech patterns.
28. Keeping It 100
Meaning: Full honesty, no filter.
Example: Just keeping it 100—you could’ve done better.
Best for: Motivational or straightforward talk.
29. Off the Record
Meaning: Truth not meant for everyone.
Example: Off the record, I think he’s quitting soon.
Best for: Confidential settings or whispered truths.
30. Can I Be Real With You?
Meaning: Preface to heartfelt or tough honesty.
Example: Can I be real with you? I’m not okay.
Best for: Sensitive or emotional topics.
🧠Choosing the Right “NGL” Substitute
The alternative you choose depends on tone, audience, and intent:
- Playful/Social Media: Use “lowkey,” “no cap,” “FR,” or “just sayin’.”
- Emotional Honesty: Try “I can’t lie,” “truth be told,” or “can I be real with you?”
- Formal Writing: Opt for “honestly,” “to be fair,” or “in my opinion.”
- Cultural/Slang: Use “deadass,” “keeping it 100,” or “not even gonna front.”
Always consider your audience and platform—what works in a group chat may not land well in an email to your professor.
âś… Final Thoughts
“NGL” is a small phrase that carries a big load—it signals truth, vulnerability, and a little bit of edge. Whether you’re admitting something personal or just stating facts, you’ve now got a toolkit of 30 alternatives to choose from.
Being real doesn’t mean being rude. It means being honest with care, clarity, and context. So next time you want to drop some truth, think twice about your audience—and pick the word that truly fits the moment.