I remember the first time someone texted me “NGL😅” and I just paused, thinking wait, what does NGL Meaning Slang? Is it some kind of typo or a new app trend? 😳
I had no clue. Later, I noticed it everywhere in group chats, Instagram captions, and TikTok comments. So I asked a friend, looked it up online, and finally understood why people use “NGL” so much.
Once I got it, I realized it’s a handy way to be honest in casual conversations. Honestly, the first time I saw “NGL,” I panicked a little, but now I use it myself.
Quick Answer:
NGL means “Not Gonna Lie.” It’s a casual and friendly way of saying you’re being honest or upfront.
🧠 What Does NGL Mean in Text?
In slang, NGL is used when someone wants to be honest about their thoughts, feelings, or opinions. It’s like a preface to show that what you’re about to say is truthful.
Example:
A: “That movie was okay”
B: “ngl, I loved it 😄”
In short:
NGL = Not Gonna Lie = being honest or upfront
📱 Where Is NGL Commonly Used?
NGL is popular in casual and social-media-friendly chats:
💬 Text messages & group chats
📸 Instagram & TikTok captions
🐦 Twitter/X comments
🎮 Gaming chats
Tone:
Casual, friendly, sometimes flirty not formal or professional.
💬 Examples of NGL in Conversation
- Example 1:
A: “Do you like my new haircut?”
B: “ngl, it looks amazing 😍” - Example 2:
A: “I’m nervous for the exam 😅”
B: “ngl, same here 😬” - Example 3:
A: “He seems weird lol”
B: “ngl, a little 😏”
- Example 4:
A: “Did you watch the latest episode?”
B: “ngl, it was kinda boring 😴” - Example 5:
A: “I don’t know if I can finish this project”
B: “ngl, I’m struggling too 😅”
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use NGL
✅ When to Use:
Casual chats with friends 😄
Expressing honest opinions 💬
Social media captions or comments 📱
Friendly teasing or flirty messages 😏
❌ When Not to Use:
Work or professional emails 📧
Formal meetings or discussions ⚠️
Serious conversations or sensitive topics 🚫
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
| Friend Chat | “ngl, that was funny 😆” | Casual & honest |
| Social Media | “ngl, I love this post 😍” | Engaging & relatable |
| Work Chat | “Honestly, we need to revise this” | Professional & clear |
| “I must admit, the report needs work” | Formal & polite |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
| TBH | To Be Honest | Casual chats & posts |
| FR | For Real | Emphasizing honesty |
| Real Talk | Truthful statement | Texting & social media |
| Lowkey | Slightly or secretly | Casual & subtle |
| Honestly | Being sincere | Friendly or casual |
FAQs❓
Q: What does NGL stand for?
A: NGL stands for Not Gonna Lie.
Q: Is NGL formal?
A: No, it’s casual slang used in texts and social media.
Q: Can NGL be flirty?
A: Yes, people sometimes use it to give honest compliments.
Q: Is NGL positive or negative?
A: It depends on context; it can be honest, critical, or playful.
Q: Can anyone use NGL slang?
A: Yes, mostly in informal conversations, texting, or online posts.
Final Summary
In slang, NGL means “Not Gonna Lie.” It’s a friendly, casual way to show honesty in texts, social media, or gaming chats. It’s perfect for expressing opinions, sharing feelings, or giving compliments but should be avoided in formal or professional conversations.

I’m Janet Frame, the author behind slanngmean.com. I’m a slang expert, and I share clear, easy-to-understand meanings and examples for every slang term.










