Ngl

Ngl (abbreviation / US Slang)

(Also heard as: NGL, Not gonna lie, Ngl though)

Definition:

Ngl stands for “not gonna lie”. People use it to introduce an honest, sometimes slightly awkward opinion or admission.

Where Ngl Comes From:

It is a texting and social media abbreviation that grew with Twitter, text messages and Tumblr in the early 2010s. “Not gonna lie” was already a common spoken phrase, and shortening it to “ngl” made it quick to type. It spread widely on TikTok and in group chats.

How People Actually Use Ngl:

People put it at the start or end of a sentence: “ngl, that was good” or “that was good ngl”. It softens a confession, adds emphasis, or signals that you are being straightforward. It can also sound casual or even a bit dismissive, depending on the sentence.

Is Ngl Rude?

No. It is a casual filler, similar to “honestly” or “to be fair”. It can precede a blunt opinion, but the term itself is not rude.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Ngl, I didn’t think I’d like it.”

  Meaning: To be honest, I did not expect to enjoy it.

• “That outfit is fire ngl.”

  Meaning: Honestly, that outfit looks great.

• “Ngl I forgot we had plans.”

  Meaning: I will admit that I forgot about our plans.

Similar Slang:

Lowkey, Deadass, Facts, No Cap, Hella

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