In informal writing, and especially in text messages, the rules of capitalization are lax at best, so you can choose how you want to treat idk. The one rule that has come about in text speak is that writing a word in all caps means you’re either shouting it or are otherwise trying to emphasize it or amplify its effect. If you’re using idk in a more formal context, you should always make sure you capitalize it—or not—consistently.
Idk when I’ll arrive.
I should get milk, but idk if the store is open now.
Idk what you mean.
One fantastic thing about the internet community is how rapidly it pushes the boundaries of language. Twitter-born words, phrases, and #hashtags emerge constantly in response to news and social media. IDK is one of the more popular online abbreviations used in informal communication and memes.
“I Don’t Know”
IDK is an abbreviation of the phrase “I don’t know,” and it be can spelled capitalized or uncapitalized. According to Grammarly, the abbreviation has been around since sometime around 2002 (or even earlier), when it appeared in text speak. On Urban Dictionary, the phrase is defined as the shorthand form for “I don’t know” in a comment posted in 2003.
The abbreviation is most commonly used and understood by younger generations (think generations Y and Z), but don’t bet that someone who isn’t as tech- or text-savvy will understand what the phrase means.
According to Google Trends, IDK is most often used in the United States, Poland, and Moldova. The usage of the term really began to skyrocket on the web in 2007. The abbreviation’s popularity rose again with another significant hike during the current global pandemic with a focus in memes, possibly reflecting people’s confusion and uncertainty over the state of society during the lock-down period.
How to Use IDK
IDK should be used as shorthand for “I don’t know” in text and instant messaging to express uncertainty when trying to come up with an answer to a question, or when trying to describe something unknown.
Here are a few proper ways to use IDK in text:
- IDK what that means.
- IDK about that.
- I should pick up bread, but idk if the store is open now.
If you’re feeling extra confident, saying IDK aloud to a group of friends will invite a lot of laughs and self-inflicted embarrassment (just don’t do it in public unless you have no shame.)
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It’s meaning and semantics have remained the same, but a few variations have appeared over time.
“IDEK” and Other Variations
There are a few variations of IDK that are common in messaging platforms. All of these variations can be spelled capitalized or uncapitalized. IDK can be used to respond quickly to messages, but online slang should be avoided in many professional settings.
A common variation is “IDEK” or “I don’t even know.” For example, “IDEK who that is.”
You can use the “IDW,” or “I don’t want,” shorthand to show you don’t want something or when you don’t want to do something. For example, “IDW to go to the park.”
Use “IDTS,” or “I don’t think so,” to express subtle doubt and uncertainty. For example, if you’re not sure whether or not the keys are in the house, respond with “IDTS.”
“IDC,” or “I don’t care,” should not be confused with IDK, however, you can use them in the same sentence.
For example:
- Person 1: “Who was that?”
- Person 2: “idk and idc”
The opposite of IDK is IK (I know), which is another popular online abbreviation that is used most commonly in text messaging. Alternatively, you can use “IKR” which translates to “I know, right?” and is usually applied in ironic contexts.
Whether you simply don’t understand something, don’t have enough information to come to a conclusion or just don’t really care, IDK is the acronym that can help you express your uncertainty or doubt in the quickest way possible.
How IDK Is Used
IDK used exactly the same way that it used in everyday, face-to-face language. It might used in a conversation as a means of expressing uncertainty when trying to come up with an answer to a question, or it might used in a statement or comment to describe something unknown.
IK: The Opposite of IDK
In everyday language, the opposite of saying “I don’t know” is “I know.” The same goes for internet and text slang — meaning that you can use the simple acronym IK to say “I know”.
Similar Acronyms to IDK
IDW: I Don’t Want
- IDW is an acronym you might want to use to specify something unwanted. Unlike IDK, IDW almost always used in a sentence with reference to the unwanted thing following directly after the acronym. (Ex. IDW to go to school today.)
IDTS: I Don’t Think So
- This acronym expresses more doubt than uncertainty. Although It can used to suggest doubt, it better suited if you’re looking to take a more neutral stance of complete uncertainty. IDTS suggests that the person has taken what they know about a situation into consideration and mostly disagrees or disapproves—yet still retains a small hint of uncertainty.
IDC: I Don’t Care
- IDC is better used to express indifference whereas It is ideal for expressing uncertainty. Both can sometimes used interchangeably depending on context.
IDGAF: I Don’t Give A F***
- IDGAF is a much harsher and more vulgar version of IDC. Its use of the F-word adds touches of exaggeration and hostility that might convey strong feelings of anger, frustration, impatience or some other negative emotion.
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This is an abbreviation for “I Don’t Know”.
The texting abbreviation “It” is a straight forward expression. It can used on its own or as an abbreviation within a sentence. It’s useful to show what someone does, or doesn’t, know.
Some say it has been in use since 2002 in email, texting, and online platforms.
Conversation examples
Here are some examples of “IDK” in action:
-
- Friend 1: Do you have any plans for the weekend?
- Friend 2: idk, I’ll see how I feel.
Here, Friend 2 shows that she doesn’t have any plans for the weekend. It’s not exactly certain what she will do and she’ll figure it out when the time comes.
Note: “It” can used in all caps or in lower case. Either one is fine.
- Co-worker 1: My boss is in a bad mood. IDK what happened to him!
- Co-worker 2: Yeah, he yelled at me today. We better stay clear.
- Here, we see that co-worker 1 uses “IDK” at the beginning of a sentence to indicate that he doesn’t know why his boss is angry.
Other Meanings of IDK
- In Da Kitchen
- Internet Development Kit
- IoT Development Kit
- Internal Derangement of the Knee
- Incredible Dynamic Kid
Other Ways to Say IDK
- I have no clue/idea.
- I haven’t looked at that yet.
- I haven’t/ haven’t got a clue.
- Let me check on that.
- Hmm…
- I am not the best person to answer that.
- I can find out for you.
- What do you suggest?
- I’m not sure/ unsure.
- I don’t know anything about…
- I’m going to investigate that further.
- That’s a really good question, I’ll check/ find out.
- I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll get back to you on that.
- I don’t have that information here right now.
- It’s a mystery to me.
- I haven’t got the faintest idea.
- I’ve been wondering the same thing!
- I haven’t had time to think that through yet.
- Beats me.
- What do you think?
- Who knows?
- I want to be sure and give you the correct information. Let me check.
- That’s exactly what I’m seeking to answer.
- I’ll double check and let you know.
- I’ll find out and let you know.
- That’s good question, I’ll check this.
- I’ll get back to you on that one.
- I’m not 100% sure on that.
- I’m probably not the best person to ask for that information.
- I’m afraid. I have no idea
- It could be one of many possibilities, I’ll look into it.
- It’s beyond me.
- Let me find out for you.
- Let me look that up for you.
- Search me.
- That requires a bit more research first.
- That’s not my area of expertise, I’ll ask …..
- That’s something I want you to find out for yourself!
- That’s good question, but I don’t know.
- There are several possible answers, I’ll need more information first.
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