NVM stands for never mind: forget it, it doesn't matter. Most often, people use it in a chat to cancel their own question when they've found the answer: where are my keys? nvm, found them. People also write nvm to someone who apologises, meaning “no harm done”. The tone is casual; it's texting language.
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question + nvm (nvm, found it); oh nvm = forget what I said; nvm, + new plan
- what time does the gym close? nvm, just checked the website
- can you send me the photos? oh nvm, Anna already did
- let's meet at six. nvm, I'm stuck at work, make it seven
What changed
First versionFriend: Do you mind if I bring my cousin tonight? Me: nvm, bring her!
RevisionFriend: Do you mind if I bring my cousin tonight? Me: not at all, bring her!
A question with mind seems to call for an answer with mind. But nvm means “forget it, it doesn't matter” and doesn't answer the request: your friend will feel brushed off. To give permission after Do you mind if…?, say not at all or no, go ahead.
If someone asks what you meant and you reply nvm, it sounds like “forget it, not worth explaining” and can hurt: you've cut the conversation off. Out loud, people say it in full: Never mind, I'll ask Tom. In an email to a colleague, write Please ignore my last question instead of nvm. In IELTS Speaking, the full never mind is fine, but an essay has room for neither.
Your turn
where did I save the train tickets? ___, they're in my email.
Show the answer
nvm — You asked a question and found the answer yourself, so you cancel it with nvm. Np, no problem, is a reply to thanks, and nobody thanked you here.
Write a question to a friend in a chat, and cancel it in the next line with nvm. Explain how you found the answer yourself.
is the café on Green Street open today? nvm, just saw it on the map
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