"WTM" is slang that stands for either "What's the matter?," "What's the move?," or "Whatever that means." It is most commonly used as "What's the matter?" or "What's the move?"
You may have wondered to yourself "What does WTM mean?" when you came across it on Snapchat, in an Instagram DM, or in a text message. Because the slang acronym can mean "What's the matter?," "What's the move?," or "Whatever that means" as mentioned above, you need to go by context to know what the other person means. Only then can you break down its definition and intended meaning.
"WTM" as "What's the matter?"
In the context of "WTM" meaning "What's the matter?" in texting or social media conversations, it often serves as a gesture of concern or empathy. For example, a text message exchange might go as follows:
Winonna: hey, heard you missed the party last night. wtm?
Jess: yeah, I wasn't feeling well. thanks for checking in though 💖
In this scenario, Winonna's use of "WTM" conveys a genuine interest in Jess's well-being, prompting her to share the reason for her absence from the party. It's a simple yet effective way to express concern and initiate a conversation about personal matters.
"WTM" as "What's the move?"
When "WTM" is interpreted as "What's the move?" it often signifies a desire to ask what is happening or what the plan is. Consider the following direct message exchange:
Sara: hey, just finished class. wtm?
Alex: dunno. wanna grab something to eat?
In this instance, Sarah's use of "WTM" indicates her interest in making plans with Alex and finding out what he's up to. It's a casual and friendly way to initiate a discussion about potential activities or outings.
"WTM" as "Whatever that means."
In a more lighthearted context, "WTM" can also stand for "Whatever that means," adding a playful or sarcastic tone to the conversation. Here's an example of how it might be used in a text message exchange:
Em: The directions for the project were so confusing 🙄
Quincy: yeah, the teacher was like 'make sure to use blended quotations' wtm lol
In this exchange, Jake's use of "WTM" suggests a sense of bemusement or confusion about the teacher's instructions on an upcoming project. It's a tongue-in-cheek way of acknowledging the unclear directions while also expressing a sense of humor about it.
Comparing the usage of the three phrases
According to Google Trends, out of the three phrases, "What's the matter?" and "What's the move" are the most commonly used phrases, although it is unclear whether that truly means "WTM" is most often used to mean those two phrases over "Whatever that means." However, because they are more common in general, you can guess that "WTM" will more likely mean "What's the matter" or "What's the move?" when you're unsure what the sender meant (of course, it might just be best to ask what they mean unless that would entail embarrassment and potentially making you look like a digital dinosaur).
When and when not to use "WTM"
"WTM" is an informal abbreviation that is to be used in casual settings like in text messages, Snapchats, Instagram DMs, and other informal digital conversations. It's a colloquial acronym that should dwell on Urban Dictionary and casual texts, not in formal business exchanges or emails to your university professor requesting a letter of recommendation. Avoid using it in professional settings and replace it with its spelled-out form or more formal alternatives.
"WTM" versus "WTMS"
Not to be confused with "WTM," "WTMS" has a completely different meaning. "WTMS" stands for "What's the most stupid" and was commonly seen on Snapchat in its prime. "What's the most stupid," often used humorously or sarcastically to inquire about the silliest or most absurd thing.
On rarer occasions, "WTMS" is used to convey "What's the move, squad?" This use, however, is not as common as "What's the most stupid."
"WTMS" can be accidentally used to mean "WTM" usually as "Whatever that means" because there is also an S at the end of "Whatever that means." This mistaken use, however, is not common either.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ambiguity of "WTM"
In conclusion, "WTM" may be just three letters, but its impact on the way we communicate online is profound. Whether used to express concern, extend an invitation, or provoke thought, this versatile abbreviation embodies the essence of digital discourse—a dynamic exchange of ideas, emotions, and experiences in the virtual realm. So the next time you encounter "WTM" in a text message, Snapchat conversation, or Instagram post, take a moment to appreciate its complexity and ambiguity. After all, in the world of texting and social media, the only limit is your imagination—and "WTM" is a reminder that sometimes, ambiguity is the best invitation to engage in meaningful conversation.
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