Have you ever been scrolling through TikTok or Snapchat and suddenly saw someone type “ngl” in a comment or text, leaving you scratching your head? 🤔 That was the first time I stumbled upon it.
I stared at my screen for a solid minute, wondering if it was some secret code or a typo. Luckily, it’s much simpler than it seems!
Quick Answer:
NGL means “Not Gonna Lie.” It’s a casual, friendly way of being honest or upfront about something, usually in conversations or online posts.
What Does NGL Mean in Text? 🧠
NGL = Not Gonna Lie.
In plain English, it’s a shorthand way of saying you’re about to be honest or give your true opinion. People use it to preface a statement that’s candid, funny, or sometimes slightly awkward.
Example:
“Ngl, that movie was way better than I expected 😅”
In short: NGL = Not Gonna Lie = I’m being honest or upfront here.
Where Is NGL Commonly Used? 📱
NGL is popular in casual conversations across social media and texting platforms:
- Snapchat 📸 — commenting on snaps or posts
- TikTok 🎵 — captions, comments, and trends
- Instagram 📸 — stories, comments, and DMs
- Texting 💬 — friendly chats with friends
- Gaming chats 🎮 — casual honesty in team discussions
Tone: Always casual and social-media–friendly. Avoid using NGL in formal or professional communication.
Examples of NGL in Conversation 💬
Here are some realistic chat examples:
Example 1:
A: “Did you like the new song?”
B: “Ngl, it’s my favorite this year 😍”
Example 2:
A: “Are you coming to the party?”
B: “Ngl, I’m kinda nervous about it 😅”
When to Use and When Not to Use NGL 🕓
✅ When to Use:
- Friendly conversations
- Casual texting
- Social media comments
- Sharing honest opinions
❌ When Not to Use:
- Work emails or chats
- Formal messages
- Serious or urgent situations
Comparison Table:
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
| Friend Chat | “Ngl, I’m tired lol 😴” | Casual & friendly |
| Work Chat | “I think we should revise…” | Polite & professional |
| “Please review the attached” | Formal & clear |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives 🔄
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
| TBH | To Be Honest | Similar honesty, casual |
| IMO | In My Opinion | Sharing opinion politely |
| FYI | For Your Information | Informational, neutral |
| SMH | Shaking My Head | Expressing disbelief, casual |
| LOL | Laugh Out Loud | Humor, lighthearted chats |
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use NGL in professional texts?
A: No, it’s best to reserve NGL for casual, friendly, or social media conversations.
Q2: Is NGL flirty or just casual?
A: Mostly casual and friendly, though it can sometimes appear in a flirty context depending on tone.
Q3: Is NGL popular worldwide?
A: Yes, especially among younger generations on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Q4: Can NGL be used in group chats?
A: Absolutely! It’s perfect for casual honesty with friends or groups.
Conclusion:
N-G-L is a simple, friendly way to say “Not Gonna Lie” and share your honest thoughts online or in texts.
Whether you’re commenting on a TikTok, chatting with friends, or sharing your opinion, N-G-L makes your message relatable and casual.
Just remember: keep it informal, fun, and social-media–friendly, and avoid using it in serious or professional contexts.