IRL - meaning and definition
Alsoin real lifein personmeet IRL
Definition
Short for "in real life": in person, offline, as opposed to on an app or online.
At a glance
- Means in person, offline, as opposed to on an app.
- 'Let's meet IRL' means moving from messaging to an actual date.
- Meeting soon helps avoid an idealised picture and checks someone is real.
- For a first IRL meeting, choose a public place and tell a friend.
In detail
"Let's meet IRL" means moving from messaging to an actual date. Many people prefer to meet IRL fairly soon, partly to avoid building up an idealised picture of someone and partly to check they are who they say they are.
For a first IRL meeting, a public place, your own transport and a friend who knows where you are remain good practice.
In a sentence
- Not into endless texting, would rather meet IRL within a week or two.
- He was even funnier IRL than in his messages.
Where the word comes from
IRL dates back to early internet chat rooms and forums, where people needed a quick way to separate online life from offline life.
Common questions
How soon should I meet a match IRL?
There is no rule. Many people prefer to meet within a week or two, once they feel comfortable, to check the connection works face to face. Choose a public place, use your own transport and let a friend know your plans.