If you're new to Reddit, you might be having a hard time understanding the slang your fellow Redditors are using. This guide lists some common slang and acronyms you need to know to get the most out of Reddit, including Reddit-wide and subreddit-specific terms.

Reddit-Wide Slang Terms

1. Lurker

A Reddit user who reads but does not post on the site. Lurkers may or may not have a Reddit account.

2. OP

Stands for "original poster." The OP is the user who started a discussion by creating a post. Commenters may reference the OP's thoughts in their comments.

3. OC

Stands for "original content." You'll most often encounter this acronym in a post's title. It signifies the post contains content created by the OP, rather than a link or otherwise recycled content.

4. Cakeday

The day a Redditor joined Reddit. Many users celebrate this day as their "Reddit birthday." On a Redditor's cakeday, a cake icon appears next to their username, to let others know they should wish the Redditor a happy cakeday.

5. Sub

Short for "subreddit." This term refers to one of Reddit's many topic-specific sub-forums. Reddit has subs for most every topic you could think of, from world news to cat memes.

6. ITT

Stands for "in this thread." A thread is another name for a post and its comments. Redditors who use ITT are referring to (or in many cases, sarcastically summing up) content found in the thread.

7. FTFY

Stands for "fixed that for you." Redditors often use this acronym ironically, when making snarky "fixes" to others' comments.

Subreddit-Specific Slang Terms

8. AMA

Stands for "ask me anything." In the AMA subreddit, Redditors put themselves out there and allow others to ask them any question. You may also see this acronym expanded to AMAA, which means ask me almost anything.

9. TIL

Stands for "today I learned." In the TIL subreddit, Redditors post amusing and/or amazing anecdotes they learned recently.

10. YSK

Stands for "you should know." Redditors use this acronym while posting facts they believe other Redditors should know. Whether these facts are actually worth knowing is often dubious.

11. ELI5

Stands for "explain like I'm five." In the ELI5 subreddit, Redditors post questions for which they want simple (i.e. understandable to a five-year-old) answers.

12. DAE

Stands for "does anyone else." In the DAE subreddit, Redditors ask whether anyone else has had the same idea or feeling they've had. Because the Internet is accessible to millions of people, the answer is typically yes.

13. CMV

Stands for "change my view." The Change My View subreddit contains posts in which Redditors ask others to offer counterpoints to their own (usually deeply held) opinions.