abbreviation
ICL
eye-see-EL
ICL (abbreviation) means used online and in messages before a frank or blunt opinion, to signal that the speaker is being honest. Example: “icl that album is nowhere near his best.”
abbreviation
1
informal, slang Used online and in messages before a frank or blunt opinion, to signal that the speaker is being honest.
"icl that album is nowhere near his best."
"ICL I completely forgot we had plans."
How to use ICL
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of saying honestly before you give your real opinion.
When to use it
Very informal slang, mostly lower case, common on TikTok and in group chats.
Memory tip
Like ngl and tbh, it sits at the start of the sentence and does not change the grammar of what follows.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
icl though
icl I
icl that was
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ICL.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ that album is nowhere near his best.
Etymology
An initialism of the phrase I can't lie.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does ICL mean in a text?
It stands for I can't lie and introduces an honest, often unflattering opinion. It works as a warning that something blunt is coming.
What is the difference between ICL and NGL?
Almost none. NGL, not gonna lie, is older and more widespread; ICL is a newer variant popular with younger users. Both soften a candid remark by flagging it as honesty rather than an attack.
Can ICL mean anything else?
In other contexts the letters stand for organisations and technical terms, such as Imperial College London, so meaning depends heavily on where you see it. In chat and social posts it almost always means I can't lie.
What is the meaning of ICL?
"ICL" (abbreviation) means used online and in messages before a frank or blunt opinion, to signal that the speaker is being honest.
