IRL
IRL (abbreviation) means In real life; in the physical world rather than online, in a game, or on social media. Example: “We have been messaging for months but we finally met IRL last weekend.”
How to Use IRL
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn person, not on the internet.
Informal. Fine in texts, social posts and casual work chat; avoid in formal writing, where in person is better.
IRL can sit anywhere a phrase like in person could, and it is written in capitals as often as lower case.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
We have been messaging for months but we finally met _____ last weekend.
Etymology
An initialism of "in real life", from early internet chat and forum use.
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for IRL
See all rhymes for IRL →Frequently Asked Questions
What does IRL stand for?
It stands for "in real life". People use it to distinguish the physical world from online spaces, games and social media.
What is the difference between IRL and AFK?
IRL contrasts the offline world with the online one, while AFK ("away from keyboard") simply means someone has stepped away from their device for a moment. AFK is about availability; IRL is about which world you are talking about.
Is it rude to use IRL at work?
Not usually in internal chat, where it reads as ordinary shorthand. In client emails, documents or anything formal, write in person instead.