Internet
idk
What does idk mean?
The literal meaning: 'I don't know.' You're being asked something and you genuinely have no answer.
"'Where's the meeting?' 'idk, check the email.'"
Origin
A standard internet/SMS initialism that took off in early text-messaging and IM culture (AIM, MSN) in the late 1990s and 2000s as character limits and thumb-typing rewarded shorthand.
Frequently asked questions
What does idk mean in texting?
It means 'I don't know.' It's used both literally and as a casual way to dodge giving a real answer.
What's the difference between idk and idek?
'idek' means 'I don't even know' — it's idk with extra emphasis, used when you're really lost or overwhelmed.
Is idk rude?
Not usually, but a bare 'idk' with no follow-up can read as dismissive, like you can't be bothered to help.
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