SYL

What Does SYL Mean in a Text?

SYL means "See You Later." The use of the abbreviation SYL can be taken literally to mean that the sender will be meeting the recipient face-to-face sometime during the same day. However, it is just as often used to indicate that they will be in touch again soon, either by telephone, email or text message.

The abbreviation SYL is often used at the end of a conversation, whether or not the sender expects to meet with or even contact the recipient again soon.

There are many other abbreviations used to represent the phrase "See You Later," including:

Image for SYL

When I write SYL, I mean this:

meaning of SYL

SYL is a casual way of saying "Goodbye."

Summary of Key Points

"See You Later" is the most common definition for SYL on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
SYL
Definition:See You Later
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of SYL in Sentences

Here are examples of SYL being used in conversations:
  • Pat: I'm going to netball now.
  • Chris: Okay. SYL.
  • Poppy: You're dumped.
  • Myles: Your loss. SYL.
  • (Here, SYL is being used sarcastically.)

An Academic Look at SYL

SYL is typically used as a declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It acts as a salutation at at the end of a conversation.

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Ess Why Ell"), SYL is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "See You Later" instead of using the abbreviation SYL.

Example of SYL Used in a Text

SYL
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)