What Does “Nkw” Mean?

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Crack the code behind the latest text slang

Co-authored by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones and Mason Martinez, BA

Last Updated: September 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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Meaning of “Nkw” in Texting

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How to Use “Nkw”

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Related Texting Slang

Instead of feeling behind on texting terminology, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about the abbreviation “Nkw.” We’ll explain the different meanings of “Nkw” and how to use each correctly. We’ll also teach you other popular texting phrases so you never feel out of the loop.

Things You Should Know

"Nkw" is a slang term for "Not Known Where" used to express uncertainty about the whereabouts of another person, place, or thing.
"Nkw" is an acronym used to represent National Knowledge Week, a one-week event in mid-October to encourage innovative ideas and learning.
When in doubt, “Nkw” may be a simple typo for “now.”

Section 1 of 3:

Meaning of “Nkw” in Texting

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1
Nkw is slang for "Not Known Where." “Nkw” is a popular term on social media used to indicate when you don’t know the location or whereabouts of another person, place, or thing.
- It’s commonly used as an alternative to “idk” or I don’t know.
Nowadays, social media is big on dedicating specific days, weeks, or even months to important topics. Generally, National Knowledge Week takes place in mid-October to encourage an environment of innovative ideas, unwavering support, and learning.

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Nkw is a typo for "now." Typos happen to the best of us. If you're confused about the message you're receiving, try to see how the word "now" fits into the sentence. If it makes more sense, it may be a simple misunderstanding.
- To avoid typos, re-read your message before hitting send to catch any glaring errors.

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use “Nkw”

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Express uncertainty about the location of something. If someone sends you a text asking about the whereabouts of someone or something, you can use "nkw" to say you aren’t sure.
- For example, if a friend says they left their sweater at your house, you could say, "Nkw, but I'll look around and let you know."
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Spread awareness around social issues. Awareness days provide a space for people to create visibility around important causes.^{[1]
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Research source} During National Knowledge Week, for instance, take to social media using #NKW to spread awareness around causes that matter to you.
- For example, the United Nations on Drugs and Crimes uses Knowledge Week to create awareness around human trafficking and smuggling.^{[2]
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  Research source}
- You may post on social media, “Just attended a workshop for #NKW on increasing access to justice and protection for migrants!”

Section 3 of 3:

Related Texting Slang

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People use "lyk" to communicate that you'll hear from them later with more details about a particular situation or event. Imagine you left your headphones at a friend’s house. They may respond, “I’ll lyk when I find them.”
Using the same headphone scenario, let’s say you found them in your bookbag. You can send a quick “nvm” text. This will let them know to disregard your previous question.
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Bet is a slang term used for "okay." Bet is generally used when you agree with someone or something. For instance, you text a friend to meet you at a coffee shop. "Bet" would mean they agree to the plan.
- It can also express confidence in a specific outcome or as a confirmation.
- In response to "nvm," you may receive a "bet" text to signal the other person knows you found your belongings.
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Ngl means "Not Gonna Lie." Ngl expresses how a person feels about a particular situation. It's often used as a synonym for "actually," "honestly," and "to be honest."
- For example, someone may write, "Ngl, I think I saw Maria with your headphones last. You might wanna check with her."