What Does NSA, FWB, MBA Mean? Modern Dating Lingo Explained

Call me a noob, but I don't usually get modern chatting jargons. Years ago, it took me a while to decode ROFL and TIA (thanks in advance), and then later I had to break my head over lingo modern parents used. DD, DS, DH are all darling daughter, darling son and darling husband respectively, and there are loads like these! It wasn't surprising, therefore, when I learnt of a few abbreviations people use on chats and dating platforms now and was totally clueless about what those meant. If you do not want to feel like an ancient caveman, you need to be up to date about the language people speak nowadays, and that includes knowing the terms people use. So to help you not feel lost, here is a list of terms that you need to know before you start swiping on tinder.

• NSA: This stands for 'No Strings Attached'. This is when people are looking for a relationship sans the commitment. This is almost like an open relationship, but it does not always mean that people in a NSA relationship will also be seeing other people. NSA is how a lot of people like their relationships to be, because while everyone wants the comfort of affection and having a 'special someone', not many want to be tied down with one person, for better or worse.
• MBA: This one is genius -- Married but available. If you ask me, it is just a fancy term for cheating.
• FWB: This one is a no-brainer. 'Friends with benefits' is when people are in a sexual relationship but there is no love or any feelings involved. Exactly like the movie by the same name. Needless to say, for a lot of millennial, FWB 'relationships' are the way to go.
• ONS: One Night Stands -- from the moment you come across this on a person's dating profile, you know what they are looking for.
• Flings: A fling is when you go out on a few dates, have sex frequently and the entire thing lasts for not more than a week or two.

Have you come across any terms that you would like to share? Please post it in the comments below.

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About the Author

Naz Haider

Sleep-deprived, touched out, possibly-going-deaf mom who loves writing about everything parenting and children. I am a DIY-holic, craft enthusiast, and love baking with my toddler. Follow me and write to me if you want to discuss activities to do with your kids or just ... Read More

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