Did you ever get a message with the letters “WTW” and not know what to say back? If so, you are not the only one. “WTW” is a common slang word that people use a lot on social media sites and in text messages. But what does this slang really mean? And how should you answer when someone sends it to you?
Let’s learn all about “WTW” so you can understand it.
What Does “WTW” Actually Mean?
WTW is a short way to say “What’s the Word?” It is a very casual and friendly way to ask someone questions like “What’s up?”, “What’s happening?”, or “What are you doing right now?”
People often use WTW to start a chat or to quickly check in with a friend. They use it when they do not want to sound too serious or formal. You can think of it like a relaxed hello. It is like something you might say to a friend when you want to see what they are doing or just catch up.
Where Do People Use WTW Online?
You will mostly see people using “WTW” in places online where casual slang is very common. Here are some examples:
- Text messages: It is a fast way to begin a conversation with someone.
- Snapchat: People often send it as a quick snap or in a chat message.
- Instagram DMs (Direct Messages): Friends might use it in private messages or when they reply to a story or a post.
- Twitter/X and TikTok: You might find it in comments or in the captions of videos, especially when people are talking about popular trends.
In all these places, people use WTW as a way to open a conversation or to ask what is new in someone else’s world.
How to Answer When Someone Sends You WTW
Because WTW is a laid-back and casual greeting, your answer should also be casual and friendly. Here are some simple ways you can reply:
- “Not much, you?”
- “Just chilling. What’s good with you?”
- “Same old stuff. You trying to meet up?”
- “Pretty bored right now. What’s the plan for today?”
- “About to go out. What’s up with you?”
The main idea is to match the easy-going tone of the message. If someone sends you WTW, they are usually looking for a light and simple chat, not a very long or deep conversation.
Who Usually Uses WTW?
WTW is a slang term that is very popular with younger people. You will see it used a lot by Gen Z (people born roughly between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s) and teenagers. These are often people who are very active on apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram.
WTW is part of a bigger group of slang words and short phrases that people use in online culture, especially in some city cultures. These short phrases help make online talk quick and casual.
You probably will not hear people say “WTW” out loud as often as you see it typed in messages or posted online.
Does WTW Mean Anything Else?
Usually, WTW does not mean anything else. However, sometimes people can get it mixed up with other internet slang.
Some people might confuse WTW with “WTF” (which means something very different and often shows surprise or anger). Others might think it means “What the what?” But in almost all modern uses, especially when you see it in a text message, WTW simply means “What’s the word?” It is just a friendly way to check in with someone.
It is always a good idea to look at the context. This means thinking about who sent the message and where you saw it. If it is from a friend in a text message, it is almost always a friendly and chill greeting. If you see WTW in a comment under a social media post, the person might be asking what is happening in the post or what the post is about.
WTW Compared to Other Popular Slang
Online slang changes very fast. WTW is just one of many quick codes that people use in messages. Here is how WTW compares to some other popular slang terms:
Slang |
Meaning |
How It Is Used |
WTW | What’s the Word? | A friendly greeting or way to start a chat |
WYD | What You Doing? | Checking what someone is doing right now |
WYA | Where You At? | Asking for someone’s current location |
BRB | Be Right Back | Telling someone you are leaving for a short time |
LOL | Laughing Out Loud | Showing you think something is funny |
All these slang words have different meanings, but people use them in similar places. You will see them in text messages, direct messages (DMs) on social media, and in short online replies.
Final Thoughts
So, WTW is a pretty simple slang term. It just means “What’s up?” or “What’s going on?” You will see people using it in text messages, on Snapchat, and in other casual chats on social media.
Now that you know what WTW means, you can answer confidently when you see it. You can even try using it yourself to start a friendly conversation with someone. Just remember to keep your reply casual, friendly, and short, just like the WTW greeting itself.
Have you seen WTW used in a funny or strange way? Feel free to share your story in the comments section below! Or, if you know someone who is still trying to figure out all the new texting slang, you can share this article with them.