Explore the 2026 Program
The book-loving community has really exploded on social media in recent years and, with it, a whole slew of terms and jargon that can feel like code words to the uninitiated. We've rounded up some of the most popular bookish terms from across the web to get you up to speed and speaking the language.
ARC – Stands for Advance Reader Copy and refers to a book proof that has been provided, print or digital, to a reader for the purpose of reviewing or providing feedback before the book's official publication.
backlist – All the books that aren't 'new releases'.
book hangover – That feeling you get after reading a really impactful book where it lingers with you, sometimes for days!
buddy reading – Reading a book at the same pace as a friend so you can discuss as you go.
CR – Stands for Current Read. What are you currently reading?
DNF – Stands for Did Not Finish. Sometimes a book just doesn't work for us and we have to put it down.
MC (MMC or FMC) – Stands for Main Characters (alternately Male Main Character or Female Main Character). Often used when discussing romance main plots.
mood reading – A style of reading without a plan, picking up books on a whim, rather than choosing what you're going to read next in advance.
NRN – Stands for Not Right Now. Not as definite as DNF because maybe you'll come back to this book another time.
POV – Stands for Point of View. Used to discuss which character's perspective a book is told through.
reading slump – An experience when you just aren't reading as much as you usually do, sometimes spurred on by a particularly bad read.
reading vlog – A style of video on social media where a reader films updates of their thoughts and feelings at different stages while reading a book or group of books.
reading wrap-up – A style of video usually posted at the end of a month or season recapping all the books they read over that period.
TBR – Stands for To Be Read. What's up next on the bedside table pile?
TW or CW – Stands for Trigger Warning or Content Warning. Often used to denote heavy or upsetting content or language in a book or video so the reader can judge whether that's something they would like to read or watch.
trope – A common technique or element of a story that is familiar to readers of that genre.
unhaul – A style of video on social media where a reader clears out their shelves to make space for new purchases or to lighten their load.
YA – Stands for Young Adult and refers to books written for a teenaged audience.
Are any of these terms new to you or were there some you think we've missed? The bookish community is always expanding and finding new ways to communicate with each other. Go forth and happy reading!