What Does ‘NGL’ Mean?
NGL stands for "not gonna lie" and signals that an honest or surprising opinion is coming.
Internet & memes abbreviation
Examples of ‘NGL’ in a sentence
- “NGL, that quiz was hard.”
- “Ngl, I like your haircut.”
Where does ‘NGL’ come from?
It is chat and texting shorthand that became mainstream with social media; the exact first use is unclear.
How to use it, and when not to
Use it in texts. Spell out "to be honest" in formal writing.
For parents and teachers
Fine around parents and teachers. Safe. Just chat shorthand.
Related slang
Frequently asked questions
What does NGL mean?
NGL stands for "not gonna lie" and signals that an honest or surprising opinion is coming.
Where does NGL come from?
It is chat and texting shorthand that became mainstream with social media; the exact first use is unclear.
Is NGL OK to say around parents or teachers?
Fine around parents and teachers. Safe. Just chat shorthand.
How do you use NGL in a sentence?
NGL, that quiz was hard. Ngl, I like your haircut.
More internet & memes slang
67, Aura farming, Bet, Brainrot, Cap, Chronically online. Or browse the full A–Z / try the Slang Translator.
Sources
Definition written by VibeDex. Slang changes quickly, so this is a snapshot. Last reviewed 2026-10-23.