IRL

1. in real life (in contrast with communication and interaction online or in a fictional situation):

   I play online video games with people I've never met IRL.

IRL

abbreviation for

1. text messaging in real life
2. Ireland (international car registration)

Word History and Origins

Origin of IRL¹

From its use in digital communications

Example Sentences

A vast majority of young people report they’re burned out by app dating, and many are also struggling to date IRL.

From Slate

It seemed the event was to encourage Tinder users to engage with each other IRL, but the crowd was still a random assortment of personality types, most of whom were not compatible with Taylor.

From Slate

Order online or swing by the L.A. showroom on Beverly Boulevard and pick one up IRL.

From Los Angeles Times

But now, it’s become adopted as IRL slang, used in any context, for any reason at all.

From Slate

Seeing the pieces IRL the next way, feeling the weight and appreciating the details of them, it was even clearer that this collection was rooted in metamorphosis, which crystallized when seeing many of the cocooned pieces in person.

From Los Angeles Times