The first time I saw someone type “IIRC”, I stared at it for a good minute trying to guess what the letters stood for. 😅 Was it some secret code? A gaming term? A meme?
Nope — turns out it’s a super simple and extremely common internet abbreviation.
Here’s the quick answer:
Quick Answer:
IIRC means “If I Remember Correctly.”
It’s a polite, casual, and slightly cautious way to say something you think is true but aren’t 100% sure about.
What Does IIRC Mean in Text?
IIRC stands for If I Remember Correctly.
People use it when:
- They’re recalling something from memory
- They want to sound polite and flexible
- They’re not fully confident about the info
- They want to avoid sounding too direct or wrong
Example:
“iirc, the meeting is at 4 pm”
In short: IIRC = If I Remember Correctly = I think this is right, but not 100% sure.
Where Is IIRC Commonly Used?
You’ll mostly see it in:
- 💬 Text messages
- 💻 Reddit comments
- 🤝 Group chats
- 🎮 Gaming chats
- 📱 Discord conversations
- 🧑🏫 Online forums / Q&A sites
- 🧠 Tech discussions
Tone: casual, polite, informative — never formal.
Examples of IIRC in Conversation
A: when did we last go to dubai?
B: iirc it was 2021 😅
A: is this the right password?
B: iirc yes, try it
A: what time does the show start?
B: iirc around 8pm
A: wasn’t she the lead actor?
B: iirc she had a guest role only
A: where’s the charger?
B: iirc you left it in the car
A: do we have class today?
B: iirc no, it’s cancelled
When to Use and When Not to Use IIRC
✅ Use IIRC When:
- You’re not fully sure about something
- You want to sound polite, not bossy
- You’re giving memory-based info
- Chatting casually with friends
- Commenting on Reddit or forums
❌ Don’t Use IIRC When:
- In professional emails
- When providing confirmed facts
- In serious or time-sensitive discussions
- With people who may not understand slang
Context Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “iirc u paid last time 😄” | Casual & friendly |
| Group Chat | “iirc party starts at 9” | Uncertain info |
| Gaming Chat | “boss spawns here iirc” | Works in casual gameplay |
| Work Chat | “I believe the file was updated yesterday.” | More professional wording needed |
| “If I recall correctly, the deadline is Friday.” | Clear & formal |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| IMO | In my opinion | Sharing personal thoughts |
| IMHO | In my humble opinion | Soft, polite opinions |
| IDK | I don’t know | When you’re unsure |
| TBH | To be honest | Giving honest input |
| FYI | For your information | Sharing helpful info |
| AFAIK | As far as I know | Similar to IIRC but broader |
FAQs About IIRC
What does IIRC mean?
It means “If I Remember Correctly.”
Is IIRC formal?
No — it’s strictly casual or internet lingo.
Is IIRC the same as AFAIK?
Not exactly.
IIRC = based on memory
AFAIK = based on what you know overall
Does IIRC imply uncertainty?
Yes — it shows you’re not 100% sure.
Do people use IIRC in texting?
Yes, especially in techy, gamer, or Reddit-style chats.
Final Thoughts
IIRC is a super useful abbreviation when you want to sound helpful without pretending you’re completely sure. It keeps conversations polite, soft, and flexible — perfect for online chats and casual messaging.
Use it when you’re guessing from memory, but skip it in professional or serious conversations.
