These lazy prompt hacks are a game-changer.
I used to write entire paragraphs trying to get the perfect answer from ChatGPT, only for it to give me some generic, corporate-sounding text. It was super frustrating. Turns out, being a little lazy with your prompts is actually the secret to getting awesome, conversational replies.
I found this guide on Reddit where the author discovered a few abbreviations that work like magic. They save a ton of typing and somehow get the AI to just get it.
Here are the shortcuts you need to try:
🔬 Use “ELI5” for super simple breakdowns. It’s perfect when you need a complex topic broken down into its most basic parts. “ELI5 quantum computing” is a classic.
⚖️ Try “ELI12” for the sweet spot. When ELI5 is too simple but you don’t want a textbook answer, this gives you a more nuanced explanation without the jargon.
📜 Put “TL;DR:” at the start of your prompt. This forces the AI to cut the fluff and give you the main points right away. It’s a game-changer for quick summaries.
📌 Add “JSYK” (Just So You Know) to give context about yourself. Saying “JSYK I’m a total beginner” helps it tailor the explanation to your level.
🧱 Use “FYI” (For Your Information) to give context for the output. If you say, “FYI this is for a formal presentation,” the tone and structure will be instantly upgraded.
💡 Just type “???” as a reply. If you get a confusing answer, don’t bother writing “Can you explain that differently?” Just hitting it with “???” makes it re-explain itself, and it often does a much better job the second time.
These little hacks are so simple but they genuinely improve the quality of the responses. It’s less about typing less and more about speaking the AI’s language for better, more natural results.
The original Reddit post has the full details, so go check it out for more info.
Found these prompt shortcuts by accident, now I use them daily
byu/EQ4C in