IM

[aɪ ɛm]
noun/abbreviation
mensagem instantânea
1. Instant message; a short electronic message sent in real-time through a messaging platform or application
I sent him an IM to check if he was available for the meeting.
Enviei uma mensagem instantânea para verificar se ele estava disponível para a reunião.
2. To send an instant message to someone
Can you IM me when you get home?
Você pode me enviar uma mensagem instantânea quando chegar em casa?
IM was particularly popular during the 2000s-2010s with platforms like AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, and ICQ. While the term is still understood, it has largely been superseded by 'messaging' or app-specific terms like 'WhatsApp' in Brazil. Younger Brazilians often use the English abbreviation 'IM' in technical contexts, while older generations or formal settings prefer the full Portuguese translation.
NYC Slang
IM / DM / text
Synonyms / Sinônimos
instant messagechat messagedirect messageDM
Antonyms / Antônimos
emailletterphone call

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mensagem instantânea / IM
Commonly used in tech and business contexts; younger generations often use the English abbreviation
Rio de Janeiro
mensagem instantânea
Standard usage, though IM is increasingly recognized
São Paulo
IM / chat
Both terms are used interchangeably in tech-savvy communities
Portugal
mensagem instantânea
Less commonly abbreviated as IM; tends to use full Portuguese term

Related Words

chatmessaging appWhatsAppTelegramtext messageonline communication

Related Idioms & Phrases

hit someone up with an IM
slide into someone's IMs
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