Be cool and learn to speak geek, FTW!

NET lingo doesn’t have to be confusing and vague, all it takes is a little research to figure out your BRB’s from your GTG’s.

Peter Gee is a social media expert Photo Blainey Woodham / Daily News. Picture: Blainey Woodham

NET lingo doesn't have to be confusing and vague, all it takes is a little research to figure out your BRB's from your GTG's.

Look around and you'll notice social networks springing up everywhere filled with net abbreviations that often seem like an alien language.

But in fact they can be quite the time-saving device, if you know what you're doing.

Net lingo is often underappreciated because it's overused and often unnecessary, sacrificing clarity for speed.

But as Peter Gee from Tweed Heads social media experts GeeMedia has noticed, it can also be a powerful tool for both personal and business use.

"As social media advances then net lingo is going to become more important as well," Mr Gee said.

But Mr Gee also warned of the perils of using net lingo to reach older target audiences, who might not understand the terms.

"If they're target audience is 40 years plus then net lingo is probably going to be no good to them," he said.

"And if you're using too much net lingo it might turn people off if not used correctly."

Mr Gee confessed he was guilty of occasionally using net lingo when not necessary and said the terms he used the most were BRB (Be right back) and gr8 (great).

Older people used to writing in traditional ways may have trouble with net lingo, so it's essential for them to do their research and adapt in an increasingly online world.

Check out our starter guide below for your intro to net lingo.

LOL Laugh out loud

OMG Oh my god

BTW By the way

SMH Shaking my head

GTG Got to go

IDK I don't know

W/E Whatever

IMHO In my honest opinion

FTW For The Win