Has someone ever asked you to “lmk?” Here’s what this common internet acronym means and how to use it.

Let Me Know

LMK stands for “Let me know.” This initialism is used to tell someone that they should inform you of something in the future. For example, you could tell someone who is currently sick to “LMK if your fever goes down” or “LMK if you need anything.”

The acronym often implies that another conversation will take place in the future, likely when the other person replies. It is mostly used in texts and emails instead of real-life conversations. When speaking to someone IRL, it’s best to use the full phrase “Let me know.” You can use this acronym in both the uppercase LMK and the lowercase lmk, as both are equally common.

The phrase “Let me know” also tends to make a line of questioning less confrontational and more casual. Instead of sounding like you’re directly asking someone, LMK tends to sound more friendly. Therefore, it can be used for potentially tense or difficult conversations with other people.

A Brief History of LMK

Before becoming an internet acronym, the phrase “Let me know” was already extremely widespread in English. It is versatile and applies to various contexts, from a restaurant server asking a patron whether they need anything to asking someone what time a meeting is going to be held.

Its shortened version originated from early internet chatrooms, forums, and message boards in the 1990s, where it became popular alongside other internet acronyms. On the internet-slang website Urban Dictionary , the earliest available definition for LMK is from 2003. It simply reads, “Let me know.”

It has seen growing use in the 2000s and beyond, especially with the rise of SMS, instant messaging, and direct messaging. It’s very common to use LMK in personal conversations with other people.

Asking for an Answer

There are two main reasons to use LMK in a sentence: so that you can ask someone a question, or request additional information in the future.

In the first case, you use LMK to ask questions and expect an answer from the other person at the soonest possible time. This is commonly done when messaging someone who is currently offline, or when sending a message through a channel where someone doesn’t need to reply immediately, like email or SMS. For example, you’d say, “LMK if you’re free tomorrow.”

You could also say “LMK” in addition to another question, such as “LMK what you think” or “LMK where you are.” Using LMK can make your message seem less abrupt and rude and more casual and non-confrontational.

LMK to Ask for Updates

Another reason to use LMK is to ask for future updates from someone on a particular situation. In this scenario, “lmk” is often paired with phrases like “what happens” or “how it goes,” which is pointing to a certain upcoming event.

For example, let’s say that one of your friends is about to have an important job interview. Your text to them might read “Good luck, and lmk how it goes!” This implies that you want them to update you on the interview later.

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How to Use LMK

LMK and the phrase “Let me know” are essentially interchangeable so that you can switch between the two. While most acronyms tend to be used strictly for casual conversations, LMK is versatile enough to be acceptable in professional settings. It is not uncommon to use LMK in an email asking for feedback or insights from other people in the workplace.

Here are a few examples of LMK being used:

• “I just sent you the second revision of the design. LMK what you think of it.”
• “Hey, I heard you have a game tomorrow night. LMK what happens.”
• “lmk where you are. I’m going to pick you up.”
• “Can you babysit for me on Friday night? lmk, thanks.”

If you want to expand your online slang vocabulary even further, you should look into our articles about WYD , TTYL , and HBU .

RELATED: What Does “HBU” Mean, and How Do You Use It?

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer for Muslims that lasts for 30 days, begins on April 12 in 2021. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar ends on May 11 this year.

The Muslim calendar follows the phases of the moon (the lunar cycle). Its calendar year is shorter than that of the more commonly used Gregorian calendar, so Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year.

The dates for Ramadan may vary across countries as they are dependent on the appearance of the crescent moon.

Fasting can take place throughout the Islamic calendar year, but it is primarily associated with Ramadan. Muslims are expected to fast every day from dawn to sunset.

The Muslim Council of Britain, the U.K.’s biggest Islamic organization, explains: “Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours, meaning they abstain from eating, drinking or engaging in sexual relations for the duration of their fast. Young children, pregnant women, the old, the sick and travelers are examples of those who are exempt from fasting.”

Muslim Aid, a U.K.-based NGO, advises: “Fasting is a key part of Ramadan and all those of able body and sound mind should fast during this Holy time.”

Why does fasting take place?

Ramadan represents a period of practicing self-restraint to keep in line with ṣawm (meaning “to refrain” in Arabic), which is one of the pillars of Islam.

The Muslim Council of Britain says: “A key objective of fasting increase in taqwa (closeness to/consciousness of God), and to engender a sense of gratitude, self-discipline and self-improvement, at both an individual and community level, which Muslims are encouraged to continue throughout the year.

“At an individual level, fasting encourages us to feel an affinity with the poor across the world who have little or no food to eat.”

Families and local communities are also encouraged to share meals with friends and neighbors and reach out to those who may be fasting alone during Ramadan.

“Aside from fasting, Muslims observing Ramadan also increase in spiritual devotional acts such as prayer, giving charity and strengthening family ties,” the council adds.

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festival that marks the breaking of the fasting period. It begins on May 12 this year and can be celebrated for up to three days.

“It is a time for great feasts, the giving of gifts to children and spending time with those dearest to you,” says Muslim Aid.

• MERCEDES-BENZ EQC 400
• Base price: $142,900
• Powertrain and performance: 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack, 300kW/760Nm, dual electric motor AWD, consumption 21.4kWh per 100kmh, range 417km (WLTP), 0-100kmh 5.1 seconds.
• Vital statistics: 4761mm long, 1624mm high, 2873mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 500 litres, 20-inch alloy wheels.
• We like: Quiet, luxurious, effortless acceleration, good looks
• We don’t like: Soft suspension means body roll in corners, less interior space thanks to GLC base

EVs are just city cars right? I mean, after all, other than some Teslas few have particularly large ranges, so a road trip would be close to madness. Which is probably why I did one in the Mercedes-benz EQC 400.

Knowing the claimed range of 417km on a full battery isn’t entirely representative of real-world driving, I didn’t want to push the EQC too far out of Auckland. We selected Rotorua, a 200-ish kilometre drive which allows the battery some breathing room in terms of missed exits, lunch diversions and accidentally driving through Hamilton during the 3pm school rush.

Peeling out of Auckland at around midday on a Friday felt good, and we set about finding the optimal range-comfort ratio in the EQC. Turns out switching the air-conditioning on and off doesn’t affect indicated range all that much but turning the blowers all the way off added between ten and 30km of range to the gauge. We opted for the blowers on during highway cruising and dropping the windows for 50kmh town driving. There’s a sunroof too, which helps vent the hot interior air after the car has sat in the sun for a bit.

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The sound system neither added nor subtracted from the range (presumably because the in-car driver alerts require the speakers to always be switched on) so music was duly cranked.

Cruising on the motorway is usually where an EV fares worst, as there are fewer opportunities to claw some charge back into the batteries via braking regeneration. Thankfully, the roads between Auckland and Rotorua are hilly enough to offer some regen, the effect of which able to be altered via the steering wheel paddles. Pull what is usually the downshift paddle (on the left) and the EQC ups the regen, which results in a feeling similar to engine braking. Pull the right paddle to ease off on the electronic slowing.

Being all-electric, the EQC is effortless to drive. There doesn’t seem to be as much instant torque as the Jaguar I-Pace, despite the spec sheets saying otherwise, though this is hardly lacking. Passing manoeuvres from around 80kmh are easily dispatched and, despite the 2.4-tonne mass, the EQC is astonishingly quick off the line.

Mercedes’ excellent Level 2 autonomous driver assist systems means the car does a good job of things while on cruise control. Just don’t think it can drive itself, it’s not quite at that level yet. If it thinks you’re slacking, visual and aural warnings will come up, reminding you to keep your hands on the wheel.

Benz has definitely gone down the path of comfort for the EQC. The suspension is soft, the seats are cushy and very little external noise gets into the cabin. There’s nothing wrong with that, in fact it makes a road trip all the more enjoyable, but it does mean New Zealand’s curvier roads have to be taken slower as the softer suspenders translates into a fair bit of body roll.

Basing the EQC around the bones of the GLC has also had an impact on interior space. The batteries eat into the floor somewhat and there’s still a transmission tunnel running the length of the cabin, despite the car not having a transmission. Boot space is also impacted, with 500 litres available. Rivals Audi and Jaguar offer 660 and 656 litres in their respective electric SUVs.

After around three hours of driving we made it to Rotorua with roughly 70km left. That’s after pushing through rush-hour Hamilton and a few full-throttle bursts to pass slow drivers. Turns out, demonstrating how fast an electric car can be has a sizeable impact on battery life. Rotorua has a couple of 50kW fast chargers, so I plugged into one while getting dinner and used the house mains to top up the last few per cent overnight.

One of the biggest hurdles with EV ownership is range anxiety. With a combustion-powered vehicle, running out of gas on the motorway is a pain in the arse but little more. Simply call up a roadside service or walk to the nearest servo, if it’s not too far away.

Running out of charge with an EV is a bit worse, as even the fastest of chargers take at least half an hour to give a car meaningful range. Towing is out as there isn’t a neutral gear in an electric car and turning the wheels without power can damage the motors. The best option is to get it onto a flatbed truck, which is probably a bit more expensive than the usual towie.

But my experience is that as long as you know the limits of your car and you plan accordingly, road trips are completely possible in an electric vehicle. Fast chargers are sprouting all over the country and some are offering more than 50kW of power, further reducing charge times. It’s not yet possible to do the Auckland-Wellington run on one charge, but we’ll get there.

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Gazing into each other’s eyes during courtship felt electric, pulse-pounding, prompting them to say full-body “I love you’s.” Ten years into their marriage they said “I love you” still, but the meaning had shifted from pulse-pounding to policy pledge, meaning merely, “Yes, I’m still here.” Twenty-five years in, “I love you” was fully bleached of meaning, just something they said because not saying it would signal an unwelcome change.

—

Their ideological movement sprung from the magical term “communism,” the moral answer to all of the world’s woes. With time and the persistence of worldly woes, the meaning faded though not the magic. “Communism” became weaponized. No one knew what “communist” meant other than “virtuous.” Accusing people of not being communist enough could get them jailed.“

“Communist” became weaponized the way all magical moral terms do, “Christian,” “Mindful,” “ Spiritual ,” “Woke” “Libertarian,” “Free market,” or negative terms like “PC, cancel culture, closed-minded,” or “socialist.” People don’t bother defining them. All that matters is their positive or negative connotations, which make them easily wielded as weapons meaning nothing more than “Exceptionally good. Like me.” Or “Exceptionally bad, like my rivals.”

—

Christian, patriot, mindful, open-minded, tolerant, woke, liberty, socialist, cancel-culture, PC, kindness—you probably hear this batch of morally-loaded terms lots these days. You might use them too, though perhaps with, at best, a vague sense of how to define them. They sound good, so why not say them about the things you like?

For example, “tolerant” sounds good, so sure, you’re tolerant. And anyone who agrees with you is tolerant too. Anyone who disagrees with you is “intolerant.” Simple.

Such terms originate as formulas linking some kind of behavior with virtue or vice, good or bad. That is, they start out linking reference with value. They refer to a kind of behavior that we associate with good or bad outcomes. For example, if you do X, you’re “tolerant” and therefore good.

But with usage, the moral term begins to float free from the behavior it refers to: “If tolerant then good,” nevermind what behaviors are associated with tolerance. It happens by a process that linguists call bleaching, the same process by which cliches become cliches (“spilt milk” doesn’t make you think of dairy products), superlatives become inflated (“awesome” no longer means full of awe), and emphatics get diluted (“literally” no longer literally means literally).

Familiarity bleeds content. Say something often enough and it becomes a verbal tick, a word-habit drained of meaning. That’s semiotic bleaching, which happens reliably enough. But moral bleaching happens more readily still because we’d like to simplify morality down to formulas so long as we don’t have to follow the formulas (since they don’t really work).

To illustrate, if someone called you tolerant, you’d be flattered, not insulted. “Tolerant” has positive connotations. But what does it mean to be tolerant, really? Does it mean having no boundaries, accepting of all behaviors no matter how awful?

Tolerance sounds grand. The more tolerant the better, except not really. We can overdose on tolerance, tolerating the worst behaviors. We can become so tolerant that we’re intolerant of intolerance. The formula itself is flawed.

But that doesn’t matter once there’s moral bleaching. All you need to know is that tolerance sounds hella good. It’s what all the cool kids are wearing, so sure, you’ll wear it too. It’s just bling, an empty badge of honor.

Apply semiotic bleaching to moral terms like “tolerant” and you get a fundamental problem in moral philosophy . We’d like to think that we make moral progress. Someone comes up with a breakthrough moral formula like “Christianity.” Its popularity spreads, which means morality spreads too, right? Not necessarily, because as the popularity grows, the meaning shrinks. Copycats and counterfeits, immoral moralizers, wielding moral buzzwords as weapons.

There are 2.4 billion self-declared Christians today, but it’s not that clear what it means to be one. Probably many are Christian in name only. Some claim Christianity merely because it sounds good. Some treat their Christianity as ritual absolution. They make some little gesture in the name of Christianity and think it absolves them of all culpability. It’s what the cool kids are claiming so sure, why not? Or it’s what everyone local is, so why not claim to be one too. It’s easier than wondering what it means or whether you really are one. If that’s your local team’s jersey, wear it too to blend in.

A lot of Christian sermons are attempts to combat this tendency, preachers railing against mere lip-service Christianity. Moral bleaching explains why moral campaigns have to keep reinventing themselves, for example from Abraham to Jesus to Martin Luther, each launching a revival, a rebranding of Christianity morality to restore meaning, and each in turn, diluted, bleached.

There are whole social movements based on nothing but moral bleaching. For a current example, Trump railing against cancel culture while calling for boycotts of all rivals to his movement.

Two takeaways, one personal, the other global: 1. Watch out for moral bleaching. For example, if someone calls you intolerant, don’t just flinch because it sounds bad. Ask them to define it. If they can’t, they might just be using the bleached, weaponizing.

2. Keep this in mind about moral formulas in general: They may originate with good intentions but they will get bleached. Every moral formula for virtue can be exploited for vice, and the more popular it becomes, the more exploitable it gets.

Last week I posted ” The 2nd ‘Talk’ Women Aren’t Having About Their Bodies .” I wrote it to encourage readers to share their menopause experiences and work together with the World Health Organization to bring change to the way our culture views this normal—yet still stigmatized—phase in women’s lives.

Readers were extremely responsive, sharing dozens of heartwarming stories about their menopausal struggles—a sign I took of their eagerness to join ” The 2nd Talk .” Hot flashes and night sweats? Women described them as the most annoying symptoms, often using humor as their best defense. Insomnia? They talked openly about their sleeplessness —who doesn’t struggle with sleep at some point?—seeking doctors and drugs to deal with it. Irritability and mood swings were more difficult to share. A number of women said they felt out of control, doubtful that things would ever return to normal and worried that others—even peers—would view them as crazy or think they were “losing it.”

But the most difficult symptoms to talk about were vaginal dryness, lack of libido, and bladder leakage. Not many women wrote about these menopausal issues and if they did, it was with embarrassment and shame. Some said they felt judged and misunderstood, convinced that there were few who empathized with what they were going through—not their mates, friends, or even their doctors. Some described “not feeling like themselves” for many years and isolated in their struggle.

Why is that? With huge numbers of women ( 50 million in North America alone! ) currently facing menopause, you would think there would be more clarity about it all. But confusion and fear continue to fuel women’s concerns . We have come so far in so many ways; isn’t it time to be upfront and open about this phase of life?

In my last post, I described four commonly held myths about menopause. Below are five more misleading assumptions and the truth behind them. Let’s continue the “2nd talk” so that we can confront this challenging time together.

1. Depression is inevitable.

Before assuming that menopause necessarily leads to depression, it’s helpful to clarify this catch-all diagnostic phrase. There is ” clinical depression ,” which is a psychological disorder that typically requires treatment. There are ” depressive symptoms ,” which are reactions we have following losses—like loss of a job, death of a loved one, or divorce . These are usually short-term and may not require professional help. Then there is what we refer to as a depressed mood , a period of sadness or feeling blue.

Probably none of these categories exactly describes what the majority of menopausal women feel, and does not apply to all women across the board. While many do experience mood swings—moments of happiness followed by unexpected tearfulness, contentment that turns quickly into irritability—these are most often reactions to the fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones.

Truth: Mood swings due to menopause are not the same thing as clinical depression. If your mood swings extend into a lengthy period of lethargy, sadness, and an ongoing lack of interest in life, it’s possible that clinical depression may be setting in and requires attention by a professional.

2. Menopause means I’m losing my mind.

Some menopausal women worry that their memories are going and that these lapses foreshadow the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease . Yet it’s very unlikely that hormonal changes lead to long-term memory loss . While there is some evidence that fluctuating estrogen may influence the part of the brain that affects sleep, moods, and memory , it’s more likely that this stressful time robs women of their ability to concentrate and absorb and recall information. The “fog” that women report may result more from the difficulty in taking in new data and less about permanent loss of memory.

Remember too, that women in their 40s and 50s are often pulled in multiple directions—with children that still need them, demanding careers, and aging parents. Add to that the physical changes that menopause brings, and the result is a lack of focus and a heightened awareness of cognitive losses.

Truth: You are neither losing your mind nor necessarily heading toward dementia. Your fluctuating hormones and stressful life may be temporarily interfering with your otherwise intact, but active mind.

3. All women gain weight during menopause.

Increased weight is a global and socio-demographic phenomenon , not just a menopausal one. There are other factors involved that impact weight gain as we age, including a family history of obesity , diabetes, use of psychotropic drugs, poor education , and low economic position. Keep in mind that aging men put on pounds, too. Probably the most significant factor contributing to weight gain is the decrease in the level of activity that comes with age.

While it’s very likely that loss of estrogen can favor the accumulation of abdominal fat (that annoying redistribution of weight reported by some menopausal women), the simple addition of pounds does not appear to be affected by hormonal changes alone.

Truth: Menopause itself is not completely to blame for weight gain in women. It’s more complicated than that!

4. Menopause means a decline in sexual activity.

Menopause does lead to a decrease in estrogen, which can lead to a thinning of the vaginal wall, a lack of lubrication, and pain during intercourse. But estrogen loss does not directly lead to a lack of sexual interest. There are other factors at play. More likely, the culprit is the decline of testosterone , the hormone that is known to contribute to sexual arousal, which reaches its height in women in their 20s. Testosterone begins to decline years before peri-menopause and is solely age-related, not menopause related. Not only is it difficult to pinpoint the loss of sexual interest to menopause alone, but the effect of declining testosterone on women’s libido also remains controversial.

In addition, there is a difference between sexual activity and interest. While physical changes may impact the sexual experience, some postmenopausal women report an increased interest. For some, it is the lack of pregnancy concerns. For others, it’s the freedom from child-rearing responsibilities that fosters intimacy with their partners that is more relaxed and enjoyable.

Truth: Reduced sexual desire in women as they age usually has multiple causes. The stress of family and work, reduced energy, poor health, low self-esteem , and relationship problems are very likely strong contributing factors and can occur at any age. So, while menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle, it does not signal the end of her sexuality .

5. Hormone replacement therapy is dangerous.

A little over a decade ago, using medication containing female hormones to replace the ones depleted during menopause was considered the treatment of choice to relieve symptoms. At that time, we were told that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had potential benefits against heart disease and may even prevent cognitive losses.

But in 2002, The Women’s Health Initiative conducted a study that showed greater risks than benefits, with statistically significant increases in rates of breast cancer and strokes among the sample studied. Doctors abruptly stopped prescribing HRT and alternatives were suggested (bio-identical hormones became popular, as did other homeopathic treatment methods), but many women suffered through their symptoms until they resolved on their own.

However, the original HRT study has recently come under question and new clinical trials using a younger population suggest that HRT may be a good choice for certain women. According to new research, the risks and benefits depend on the age when medication is started and whether you take systemic hormone therapy or low-dose vaginal preparations of estrogen. Studies continue to be under review, but this new research holds strong potential for future treatment possibilities.

Truth: Before we assume all hormone replacement therapy is dangerous, or that it is unsuitable for all women, it’s important that you consult a doctor who is an expert in this field and up to date on the latest research. It turns out that our age, onset, and type of menopause may play a significant role in determining the best course of treatment. Not all women, nor their symptoms, should be treated in the same way. Talk with your friends. Talk to your doctor. Don’t suffer alone.

Like other myths worth shattering, the ones about menopause are too. World Menopause Day was just a reminder that it’s time to start talking about this natural phase of life and find out that it isn’t all that we feared it would be.

Share your menopausal story in the comment section so that we can learn from one another.

Follow Vivian Diller, Ph.D., on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrVDiller