gr8
One of the classic pieces of early internet and text message shorthand — 'gr8' is simply a phonetic spelling of 'great' that substitutes the number 8 for the 'ate' sound.
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Born ~1990 · no dated citations yetDefinitions
One of the classic pieces of early internet and text message shorthand — 'gr8' is simply a phonetic spelling of 'great' that substitutes the number 8 for the 'ate' sound. It emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s when character limits made abbreviations practical, and it became iconic enough to outlast the era that created it. Today it's often used ironically or nostalgically, a callback to the golden age of MSN Messenger and Nokia phone keyboards.
She texted back 'gr8 see u there' and he immediately felt like he'd been transported back to 2004.
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(Internet slang, text messaging) Great.
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Internet slang for 'good', written to reflect a playful or exaggerated pronunciation. The spelling mimics the way 'good' might sound when said slowly, affectedly, or in a mock-sophisticated voice. It follows the same pattern as 'kewl' for 'cool' and is used for lighthearted online affirmation.