# IRL

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/irl
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. in the physical world

adverb · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

Stands for In Real Life. Used to describe doing something in person rather than through a computer or phone.

For teachers: Abbreviation for In Real Life. Functions as an adverbial to denote actions occurring in the physical world as opposed to virtual or online spaces.

- We have been friends online for years, but we finally met IRL last week.
- Although they collaborated effectively via digital platforms for months, the team found that meeting IRL allowed for much more nuanced creative discussions.

Usage: Often placed at the end of a sentence or after a verb.

Teaching tip: Originally used in chat rooms to distinguish between 'online' and 'offline' personas; it is now common in spoken English among younger generations.

### 2. physical or actual

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

describes something that exists in the physical world.

For teachers: Used attributively to describe people, objects, or events existing in the physical world rather than a digital simulation.

- I prefer hanging out with my IRL friends rather than just talking to people on social media.
- The streamer often struggles to balance their online persona with their IRL identity and private responsibilities.

Usage: Usually appears before a noun.

Teaching tip: While technically an initialism, it is frequently used as a standard adjective in digital culture.

### 3. a person met in person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a person you know from the physical world, not just from the internet.

For teachers: A person with whom one has a physical-world relationship, typically used to contrast with 'online-only' acquaintances.

- A few of my IRLs came to my birthday party, but most of my gaming friends couldn't make it.
- The distinction between 'mutuals' and 'IRLs' is a common theme in contemporary social media discourse regarding friendship circles.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form.

Teaching tip: This noun usage is highly specific to internet subcultures and may not be understood by older English speakers.

## Examples

- We should meet up IRL sometime.
- They have been friends on social media for years, but they finally met IRL at a conference last week.
- While her online persona is incredibly outgoing and loud, she is actually quite shy and soft-spoken when you interact with her IRL.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.