There was a time when I was scrolling through a group chat and someone wrote, “iirc, we already talked about this.” I stared at my phone like… you what?? 😅
I thought maybe it was a typo or some secret code I somehow missed. If you’ve ever paused mid-chat trying to decode this little cluster of letters, you’re definitely not alone.
Slang evolves faster than our thumbs can type, and “iirc” is one of those abbreviations that shows up everywhere — from group chats to Reddit threads.
Quick Answer: IIRC means “If I Recall Correctly.”
It’s a casual, polite, and slightly humble way of saying you’re sharing information from memory and could be wrong.
🧠What Does IIRC Mean in Text?
IIRC stands for “If I Recall Correctly.”
People use it when they want to share information but aren’t 100% sure it’s accurate. It’s basically a gentle disclaimer that says, “This is what I remember… but I might be wrong!”
Example:
- “iirc, the meeting is at 3pm, not 2pm.”
In short: IIRC = If I Recall Correctly = “Based on what I remember.”
📱 Where Is IIRC Commonly Used?
You’ll see IIRC almost everywhere online, especially in places where quick, casual responses are normal:
- 📱 Texting
- 💬 WhatsApp & Messenger
- 🤳 Snapchat
- 📸 Instagram DMs
- 🎮 Gaming chats
- 🐦 X/Twitter
- 💻 Forums & online communities
👉 Tone: Casual, polite, and non-formal.
It’s NOT something you’d typically use in professional emails, but it’s okay for relaxed workplace chats depending on culture.
💬Examples of IIRC in Conversation
Here are 7 realistic chat examples so you can see how it’s used naturally:
1.
A: when’s the deadline again?
B: iirc, it’s friday night.
2.
A: did we already submit that form?
B: iirc we did it last week 👍
3.
A: who won the match yesterday?
B: iirc, it was 2-1.
4.
A: do you know sara’s birthday?
B: iirc it’s in march lol
5.
A: is the cafe open today?
B: iirc they’re closed on mondays
6.
A: was that assignment optional?
B: iirc yes 😅
7.
A: what time’s the movie?
B: iirc 9pm but check the app
Each example shows a casual tone and a slight “I may be wrong but…” vibe.
🕓When to Use and When Not to Use IIRC
✅ When to Use IIRC
- When you’re not fully sure of the information.
- In casual conversations with friends.
- In relaxed work chats (if team culture is informal).
- When you want to sound polite and avoid sounding overly confident.
- When giving a memory-based answer.
❌ When NOT to Use IIRC
- Formal emails or professional documents.
- Situations requiring accurate or important information.
- Serious topics (legal, medical, emergencies, etc.).
- When speaking to someone who might not know internet slang.
Context Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works / Doesn’t |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “iirc, we already watched that movie 😄” | Casual, friendly, and low-stakes. |
| Work Chat | “iirc the report was sent last week.” | Acceptable only if team uses casual slang. |
| “If I recall correctly, the meeting was rescheduled.” | Formal wording; avoids slang. | |
| Professional Report | Not recommended. | Needs clarity and accuracy. |
🔄Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| IMO | In My Opinion | Sharing personal thoughts. |
| IMHO | In My Humble Opinion | Soft, polite opinion. |
| FYI | For Your Information | Informal updates. |
| TBH | To Be Honest | Being direct or transparent. |
| AFAIK | As Far As I Know | Similar to IIRC but about current knowledge, not memory. |
| IDC | I Don’t Care | Casual dismissal (use carefully!). |
❓FAQs
1. Is IIRC formal?
No. It’s purely casual internet slang, best for texting and online chats.
2. Is IIRC rude?
Not at all. It actually sounds polite because it shows humility about your memory.
3. Can I use IIRC in a professional setting?
Avoid it in formal emails. It’s okay in friendly work group chats depending on your company culture.
4. What’s the difference between IIRC and AFAIK?
- IIRC = based on memory.
- AFAIK = based on current knowledge.
5. Is IIRC common?
Yes! It’s extremely popular on Reddit, Discord, gaming chats, and group messages.
6. Does IIRC mean “If I Remember Correctly”?
Yes — that’s a common alternate version with the same meaning.
