Internet slang can be confusing. If you’ve seen the abbreviation NGL online or in text conversations, you might be wondering what it means.

Most commonly, NGL is an abbreviation for not gonna lie. It’s usually used to admit something honest.

In this article, we’ll look at what NGL means and how people use this acronym in conversations.

What Does NGL Mean?

NGL is usually used as a contraction for the phrase not gonna lie.

Sometimes, NGL can stand for natural gas liquids, which is a common fuel source. To know which meaning the user intended, you need to look at the context of the sentence.

NGL Meaning in Text

There are a few common ways people use NGL in text messages.

One way is to confess something slightly strange or embarrassing, such as “NGL, I kind of have a crush on him.” Using the acronym indicates to the other person that you’re saying something vulnerable.

Another way to use NGL is to criticize someone or something while softening the blow. For example, you might say, “NGL, those jeans don’t really flatter you. I’d buy the other pair.” In this case, saying NGL is similar to saying no offense or in my honest opinion.

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Sign up

 — it's free

NGL Meaning in Chat

People use NGL in everyday chats the same way they use it in text. Usually, however, people say the whole phrase not gonna lie, instead of saying the abbreviation.

Examples of How to Use NGL Acronym

Let’s take a look at an example where NGL is being used in a conversation between friends.

• Friend 1: I can’t believe you dated someone who would disrespect you like that.

• Friend 2: I know. NGL though, at this point, my bar is so low that I’ll go out with anyone who’s willing to buy me a drink.

Here’s another example of NGL being used between coworkers.

• Coworker 1: You gave a great presentation at the team meeting this week!  

• Coworker 2: Thanks! I was really nervous, NGL. I’m glad it went okay.

Finally, here's an example of NGL being used to mean natural gas liquids:

• NGLs are hydrocarbons, meaning they're composed of only two elements, carbon and hydrogen.

Remember that NGL might be common in conversations between friends, but it should only be used in very informal situations. You can use ProWritingAid’s Paraphrase Report to help reword your writing for more formal situations.