L8R

What Does L8R Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

L8R means "Later."

More Observations...

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

Image for L8R

When I write L8R, I mean this:

L8R means later.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

L8R
Definition:	Later
Type:	Internet Slang Term
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of L8R in Sentences

Here are examples of L8R in conversations:

• Caroline: I haven't finished reading the book you lent me, so is it okay if I give it back L8R?
• Mark: Yeah, that's fine.

• Jim: Are you coming to the club tonight?
• Jack: I will be there L8R.

An Academic Look at L8R

L8R is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team because some of its characters are used to substitute 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 saving is less important. "Internet slang terms" are still regularly used to make messages more interesting or to express individuality. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations of words. L8R is typically used as an adverb of time. An adverb of time modifies a verb to describe when the verb occurs. For example:

• We'll be driving L8R.
(Here, L8R emphasizes that the verb (driving) will occur in the future.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "later" instead of L8R.

Using Numbers in Texts

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

Example of L8R Used in a Text

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