What Does IIRC Mean & How Do You Use It Correctly?


What Does “IIRC” MeanPin

If you’ve seen the initialism “IIRC” being used online and in text messages and IM chats and are wondering what it means, here’s a quick definition plus tips of how to use it correctly…


I’ve never been one for abbreviations or initialisms. I spend all day writing, so I have no problem writing things out in full. But ever since the mobile phone arrived on the scene, people have been shortening words and making initialisms out of phrases.

The idea? To make texting easier and quicker. After all, it is quicker to write LOL than a thought-out response detailing your exact emotions at the time. Ditto for things like NSFW, SMH, and other internet slang/abbreviations like IYKYK which is a very odd one.

What Does “IIRC” Mean?

Like any good internet-based initialism, IIRC has a couple of meanings. It can either stand for IF I RECALL CORRECTLY or IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY – it works for either and its usage depends on the context of the sentence.

IIRC DefinitionPin

For instance, if you’re in an argument or debate with someone on Reddit, and you know you’re right and they’re wrong, you could simply state: IIRC, the iPhone 11 does not have 5G.

You don’t have to use IIRC in this context, of course. You’re right. You know you are. But the use of IIRC gives the statement a more polite, approachable tone. You don’t always need to be a d**k online, you see.

You can also use IIRC if you’re unsure about something.

For instance, say you’re talking about a specific event or date, but you’re not 100% sure you have the date or timing correct. You could say, “IIRC, it happened on [insert date] but I could be wrong…”

Passive Aggressive People Love IIRC…

One of the most popular uses of IIRC is by people that love being passive-aggressive, either online or in personal texts. I know this from first-hand experience.

For instance, you might have a spouse or a roommate that constantly lets you know that it is your turn to clean the fridge or do the dishes.

They might say, “IIRC, I did the dishes last night. That means it is your turn this evening.”

Or, “IIRC, I took the bins out last week; can you make sure you do it this time.”

This can be annoying to the recipient because they KNOW that the other person KNOWS that they’re right. And that there’s no need for recalling or remembering – they never forget ANYTHING related to chores and the division of labor.

Where Did IIRC Come From?

The abbreviation IIRC started life on the web, way back in the late 1990s inside forums and platforms like IRC, where it was used as a quick way to write IF I RECALL / REMEMBER CORRECTLY.

Since then, IIRC has remained in constant circulation on sites like Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, and Discord.

IIRC isn’t the most common abbreviation online, however. In fact, it sits pretty low down on Reddit’s 19 most used abbreviations and initialisms. But it is a useful one to know, as it is common in many forums, Slack channels, and subreddits.

How To Use IIRC In A Sentence

Grammatically, IIRC works exactly the same as the phrase If I Recall / Remember Correctly, so you use it just as you would in a normal sentence. If you’re online, however, you can bend the rules slightly.

For instance, you could use the following: IIRC – This [insert date] is when the party is scheduled for?

Or, you could drop truth bombs on idiots on Facebook: IIRC, you’re not a qualified doctor or even a college graduate. Please explain why anyone should listen to you about vaccines?

You can use IIRC in any sentence or context. It can be used to come across as polite, snarky, passive-aggressive, or genuinely confused/unsure about something.

Although you should probably only use it online and in places where its use and adoption is high – places like Reddit and Slack and Discord.

If you start adding it to family WhatsApp group chats, you’ll end up having to explain what it means and that would take A LOT longer than simply writing out If I Recall Correctly.

Or you could just share this article with them. Either way, you now know what IIRC means, so go forth and use it liberally!

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB