IRL
Stable🌍UniversalDefinition
In real life. Used to distinguish between online and offline interactions or identity. 'IRL friends' are people you actually hang out with physically, as opposed to online friends.
Translation for Parents
It means 'in real life,' as in the physical world versus the internet. When your kid says 'she's actually nice IRL,' they mean she's nice when you meet her in person (implying she might be different online). The fact that kids need a separate term for 'real life' tells you everything about how much time they spend online.
Examples
“We finally met IRL”
“We finally met in person (after knowing each other online)”
Cringe Score
Safe to use
This abbreviation is so old it's basically grandparent-tier internet. You can use it without any shame. It's been around since chat rooms. Remember chat rooms? Good times.
Category
abbreviation
Last Verified
2026-02-25
Sources
editorial