ARD

What Does ARD Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

ARD means "All Right" and "Tough."

All Right

In text messaging and online, the abbreviation ARD is widely used with the meaning "All Right." In this context, it is typically used to indicate assent or agreement, or as a statement that everything is okay. ARD is one of many abbreviations that mean "All Right." Others include: AIT, I8 and RD.

Tough

In many parts of the UK, ARD is also used as a contraction of the word Hard, to describe a person who is "Tough."

Image for ARD

When I write ARD, I mean this:

ARD more often means "All Right."

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

ARD
Definition:	All Right
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for ARD

"Tough" is another definition for ARD.

ARD
Definition:	Tough
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of ARD in Sentences

Here are examples of ARD in conversations:

• Tony: I'll be there by 7.00 pm.
• Tim: ARD. See you later.

(Here ARD means "All Right.")

• Terri: I wouldn't mess with him.
• Tom: Is he ARD?
• Terri: He got fired as a bodyguard for Snoop Dogg, because he was so ARD.

(Here ARD means "Tough.")

An Academic Look at ARD

Whether used with the meaning "All Right" or "Tough," ARD is a slang word. Slang refers to words, phrases and uses of language that are regarded as very informal and which are often restricted to a special context or a particular group of users. When used with the meaning "Tough," ARD is a shortened version of the word Hard. Therefore it is a contraction. Contractions can be formed formed in a number of ways, including:

• Using letters from the start of the word (e.g., OBV from obviously).
• Using letters from the start and end of the word (e.g., Dr from Doctor).
• Using an apostrophe to replace a letter or letters (e.g., can't from cannot).

For reasons of brevity in text-based conversations, contractions are rarely followed by periods/full stops and apostrophes are routinely omitted. (As is the case with ARD, which should be written as 'ard.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

The use of ARD to mean "All Right" or "Tough" long pre-dates the digital era.

Example of ARD Used in a Text

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