N2K

What Does N2K Mean?

N2K means "Need To Know" or "Nice To Know."

Need To Know

The cyber term N2K is used with the meaning "Need To Know" to indicate that certain information should only be shared with people who have a genuine requirement to know about it.

"Need To Know" is a principle applied to the handling of official or personal information of a sensitive nature. However, in text-based chat, N2K is typically used to refer to gossip or the planning of an event.

Nice To Know

N2K is also used with the meaning "Nice To Know" to indicate that the sender is (or would be) pleased to receive certain information. In this context, N2K is often used sarcastically, to indicate that the sender would rather not have heard something.

Whether used with the meaning "Need To Know" or "Nice To Know," N2K is often written as NTK.

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for N2K

N2K means "Need To Know." This is one of the most common definitions for N2K on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.
N2K
Definition:Need To Know
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for N2K

N2K also means "Nice To Know." This is another common definition for N2K on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter.
N2K
Definition:Nice To Know
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Image for N2K

When I write N2K, I mean this:

meaning of N2K
N2K Also means "Need To Know."

More...

Examples of N2K in Sentences

Here are examples of N2K being used in conversations:
  • Dennis: Have you heard about Claire and George?
  • Ralph: No. And I don't N2K.
    • (Here, NTK means "Need To Know.")
  • Sophie: I saw your ex with his new girlfriend. He looked so happy.
  • Grace: Thanks! That's really N2K.
    • (Here, NTK means "Nice To Know" and is probably being used sarcastically.)

An Academic Look at N2K

Whether used with the meaning "Need To Know" or "Nice To Know," N2K is classified as a cyber term. Cyber terms were originally introduced for brevity but, particularly with the advent of predictive texting and on-screen keyboards, they are now mostly employed for fun. Cyber terms differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "Need To Know" or "Nice To Know" instead of using N2K.

Using Numbers in Texts

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

Example of N2K Used in a Text

N2K
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See Also

N1 (Nice One) VN (Very Nice) N1C3 (Nice)