Has an abbreviation or AstraX Exchangeslang used in texts and on social media left you stumped? Or maybe a meme made you more confused than amused.

While the phrases help shorten conversation, their meanings may not be easy to understand. Some even have multiple definitions, like "OP."

"ICYMI", USA TODAY has been breaking down slang and abbreviations. We've already covered various explainers on different phrases, such as "rizz" and "gts". 

Now, it's time to learn a new one. Here is the meaning and how to use the slang "rn."  

What does 'rn' mean?

There are two meanings for "rn."

The first is "RN" stands for "registered nurse." The abbreviation is used to identify a person who has been formally trained and meets the necessary qualifications to serve as a nurse. "RN" can be placed after someone's name – "Maya Garcia, RN."

The second is "rn" is a quick, shorthand way to say the phrase "right now." It is often used in conversation, such as in text messaging, direct messaging or emailing.

The abbreviation can be utilized in many ways, including if you are asking a question or telling someone what you're doing. In general, the slang expresses that something occurring in the present or a sense of immediacy.

How to use 'rn'

Here is how to use "rn:"

• "The RN's shift isn't set to start until 3 a.m."
• "What are you doing rn?" "Just watching some Netflix."
• "I shouldn't be online shopping rn. I have to finish work."

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How to reopen closed tabs?" to "How to make cold brew coffee?" to "What is the biggest star in the universe?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers: 

• What does 'OP' mean? There is more than one definition for slang term
• Ending a convo over text? Here's what 'TTYL' means and how to use it
• What does 'gts' mean? Definition of text term and how to use it
• What does 'no cap' mean? Here's the definition of the slang term and how to use it
• What does 'WYLL' mean? Here's what the text slang stands for and how to use it
• What does 'rizz' mean? Here's the definition of social media slang term and how to use it
• What does 'WTV' mean? The definition of the texting abbreviation, plus how to use it
• What does 'MBN' mean? Here's what it means and how to use for texts, social media
• What does 'IMO' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
• What does 'wyd' mean? What it means and how to use the acronym correctly in conversation
• What does 'AFK' mean? And examples of how to use it when texting friends
• What does 'OTP' mean? Breaking down the fandom term, slang
• What does 'smh' mean? Defining the texting acronym and how to use it in your conversations
• What does 'ICYMI' mean? Here's what it means and examples of it used in conversation
• What does 'ngl' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
• What does 'hmu' mean? Get to know Internet, texting acronym
• What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
• What does 'POV' mean? Breaking down the definition of the abbreviation
• What does 'idk' mean? What the texting slang means and how to use in conversation
• What does 'mid' mean? Here's what the internet slang term means and how to use it
• What does 'OG' mean? Here is what the slang means and how to use it correctly