According to one embodiment, a method for lossy data compression is provided. The method may include receiving a data message from a sender. The method may also include determining a length and a plurality of bounding characters associated with each data item within the received data message. The method may further include encoding each data item within the received data message by replacing each data item with the determined length and the determined plurality of bounding characters. The method may also include transmitting the received data message to a recipient.