L8ER

What Does L8ER Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

L8ER means "Later."

More Observations...

This term uses the sound of the number 8 to replace the "ate" part of the word.

Image for L8ER

When I write L8ER, I mean this:

L8ER means later.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

L8ER
Definition:	Later
Type:	Internet Slang Term
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of L8ER in Sentences

Here are examples of L8ER in conversations:

• Gillian: My boss is back from lunch so I will see you L8ER.
• Jo: Ok. That's cool.

• Tim: What are you doing L8ER?
• Abi: No plans, fancy meeting up?

An Academic Look at L8ER

L8ER is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team because some of its characters are used as substitutes for letters. Many "slang terms" were introduced to reduce the number of key strokes required to write words, but since the arrival of predictive texting and keyboards on mobile devices this efficiency is less important. "Internet slang terms" are still regularly used to make messages more entertaining or to express individuality. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations of words. L8ER is typically used as an adverb of time. An adverb of time modifies a verb to describe when the verb occurs. For example:

• We're going to be eating L8ER.
(Here, L8ER emphasizes that the verb (are eating) will be occurring in the future.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "later" instead of L8ER.

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of L8ER Used in a Text

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