Snapchat Debunked: What do "wcw", "HY", "IG", "ION", etc. stand for?

07 Sep, 2022

Jumping into Snapchat, you will notice lots of new and potentially confusing acronyms used in Snaps and messages.

Here, we take a look at the most common acronyms used on Snapchat. If Instagram is your home, we also got IG-related acronyms and slang covered too!

But before we start, let's discuss what Snapchat acronyms are and why they are used.

What are Snapchat acronyms?

An acronym is used to clarify or shorten something original without distorting meaning. An acronym can be noticed by the use as a complete or partial synonym for the original term. Think "FB" for "Facebook". The written form is basically done by replacing the sentence or phrase with synonyms to make the reader understand what you are trying to say.

To use an acronym effectively, you should include the context around the phrase. Naturally, acronyms can be either written or spoken form.

Especially on social media, a written acronym can be witnessed regularly on Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. In social media, there is too much text to read through so the use of acronyms helps speed up the reading and understanding process of any post.

What does "IG" stand for on Snapchat?

IG stands for Instagram. It is often used to refer back to Instagram from Snaps.

As with other acronyms, it's used to save time and mind-space. An example could be "Many of you saw my story on IG about my last trip and wanted to know ..."

What does "WCW" mean on Snapchat?

WCW is an acronym for "Women Crush Wednesday". While crush might suggest otherwise, it's mostly a day where you show appreciation for women in your life based on their achievements. In essence it means: this woman in my life is very important to me.

The hashtag #WCW is used to describe appreciation for women. It's occasionally used by women in self-appreciation posts. But mostly, it's other women and men showing appreciation - nothing else.

What does "MCM" stand for?

The male version of WCW is MCM. It stands for "Man Crush Monday". Usually, women use this hashtag on Snapchat to express their appreciation for a supportive man in their lives. This can be a friend or family member who supported them in tough times.

It shouldn't be misinterpreted though. Many men are not aware about what the term actually means and it's regularly misinterpreted as a message for sexual advances. They confuse it with flirting. Make sure to make it clear that it's only a sign of appreciation.

What does "HY" mean on Snapchat?

"HY" stands for "Hell yeah" and signals strong agreement with a statement. If you are a fan of GIFs, you can find plenty of gifs for "hell yeah".

What does "Fo Sho" stand for on Snapchat?

"Fo Sho" stands for "For Sure". You can use it to show that you agree with the other person. It is somewhat similarly used as "Hell Yeah" ("HY").

What does "ION" stand for?

When you see "ION", it stands for "In Other News". In the text of a DM or in a Snap, it means that the content is going to be about something happening in the world outside of your Snapchat story. It relates the Snapchat story to the outside, of which you might not be aware.

Sometimes people also use "News flash" or "FYI" (for your information) in the same context.

How is "defs" used on Snapchat?

"Defs" is short for "definitely". By using it, you confirm what you agree with a given statement.

An example could be:

  • "Are you coming to the trip?"

  • "Defs, I'm in."

What does "Yassss" mean on Snapchat?

"Yassss" is quite popular on Snapchat. In essence, it is simply the word "yes" but with more passion. As with "For Sho" and "Hell yeah", you are showing your support for a statement.

How is "TBT" used?

TBT stands for "Throwback Thursday" and is popular to share past moments of your life that you are grateful for.

It's about getting together with old friends and celebrating both the past and present. Thus, TBT provides them an opportunity to share their memories together. Moreover, it helps them in reminiscing a wonderful part of their life they may have forgotten over time.

What does "HG" mean on Snapchat?

HG stands for "Holy Grail". People on Snapchat use that term to mean something special or it is something that is proven to work.

People share about a product or brand they have tested, and they call it the HG to convince viewers to try it themselves and make it work for them too.

What Does "LMS" Mean on Snapchat?

LMS stands for "Like My Status" which is frequently used on all social media platforms to build up engagements on their posts.

You can also use this slang to get engagement on a product or service that you wanted to promote.

What Does "Ops" Mean on Snapchat?

"Ops" is short for opinions. It is used to tell viewers that you welcome their opinions and personal views on your posts. It could also mean that you are willing to answer any questions that they have in mind.

What Does "YK" Mean on Snapchat?

"YK" stands for "You Know?" or "You’re Kidding". It stands for "You know?" when it is used at the end of a sentence as a confirmation or also as a question. It stands for "You're kidding" when it is used to deny a statement.

What Does "WYA" Mean on Snapchat?

"WYA" stands for "where you at" which simply means asking someone where they are at the moment. It could also mean asking what someone is doing at the moment to know if they are free or busy.

What Does "Su" Mean on Snapchat

"SU" stands for two different things. it could mean "Swipe Up" or more likely mean "Shut Up".

Swipe up is a call-to-action term to initiate viewers to respond and guide them to a certain website. Shut up is used as an expression.

What Does "WRD" Mean on Snapchat

The slang "wrd" is an abbreviation of the word "word". It simply means to agree with someone. It can also be used as the original meaning "word".

What Does "YH" Mean on Snapchat?

"YH" is short for yeah!! which is a casual way of saying "Yes!". It is an affirmation that you agree on a statement.

What Does "GMS" Mean on Snapchat?

"GMS" stands for "good morning streak" or "good morning snap". It can be used as a greeting to your friends on social media. It is a way to make your connections active and prompt them to interact.

What Does "TTM" Mean on Snapchat?

"TTM" stands for 'talk to me". It simply means that you are asking someone to interact and chat with you. It is used as a conversation starter or as a way to reconnect with someone.

What Does GNS Mean on Snapchat

GNS stands for "good night streaks". It is basically saying good night to your friends and that is already time to sleep.

What Does "KYS" Mean on Instagram

KYS stands for Kill Yourself or it could also mean Know Your Status and Know Your Stuff, depending on the context. It is commonly used by younger people to bully someone. It is an expression used when the conversation seems pointless.

What Does "ISTG" Mean on Snapchat?

"ISTG" stands for "I swear to God". It usually means an affirmation that you are being honest or an expression of sincerity.

What Does "DSB" Mean on Snapchat?

"DSB" stands for "Don’t snap back". It is used to address your friends that you are online but not available to talk. Simply updating your current status to your friends.

What Does "JP" Mean on Snapchat?

"JP" stands for "just playing". This expression is similar to 'just kidding' which means you are just joking around and you do not mean anything serious.

What Does GTS Mean on Snapchat?

"GTS" stands for "Good Times" which simply means you are enjoying your time interacting or just enjoying the moment.

It could also mean 'go to sleep' to end a conversation when it is already late at night.

Conclusion

With this guide, you will be able to understand and use the most common acronyms correctly. Make sure to consider the weekdays the acronyms relate to.