mission
w≠rds between us is a curated directory of internet slang words. The internet has had a huge impact on language and how people express themselves. This site is both a tool to help people express themselves in digital text as well as to bring attention to what truncated language does to communication.
My hope is that this site can generate discussion, provide insight and help people to be better communicators over the internet and through text message.
odds and ends
Text messages have evolved a number of different formatting rules with which to evoke emotion. This is a brief overview of some of the more popular mechanics used.
* The asterisk—Often used to encase a word or phrase and signify that another level of meaning is present.
Example: And then she licked a *lollipop.*
> < Greater than less than—Used to describe something as better then another thing.
Example: Chocolate > Ice Cream.
ALL CAPS—These are often used to give weight or increase visual noise to a message, it is much like yelling. Example: CAPS IS AUTOPILOT FOR COOL.
colophon
This site was created as a fourth year thesis project at Emily Carr University of Art and Design with guidance from Haig Armen.
I would like to thank my parents and all of my peers for all of the input and help they have given me.
The site was primarily hand typed by Grey Vaisius using HTML and CSS. There are elements that were created using a jQuery plugin produced by David Dessandro called isotope.
The typeface used throughout the site is Georgia, created by Matthew Carter in 1993 for Microsoft. All of the italics are Times for a touch of elegance.
rdsword of the week »
verb
<3
heart
definition
This symbol is used to show affection, it can be used to suggest that any manner of things hold a special place in your life; “I <3 berries.”
other words
I won’t fib, I really like berries. I think that berries are great. I enjoy berries.
acronym
afk
away·from·keyboard
definition
Used as a description of ones future state, or to describe someones unresponsiveness; “Dinocerous is afk again.”
other words
Goodbye forever. I have to go for a little bit. I’ll be back.
acronym
asl
age·sex·location
definition
A short form for internet creepy inquiry, it is used mostly to poke fun at/mimic people with poor social skills; “asl?”
other words
Where you livin’ little girl? Could you share some more information with me? asl.
verb
aw
awe·ah
definition
Meant to mimic the sound a person might make while watching a puppy do something cute or adorable; “aw, chippy just ate a peanut.”
other words
How unbelievably cuddly-bunny of you. That is very cute of you. Cute.
acronym
bff
best·friend(s)·forever
definition
This term is used to describe a person’s social standing within your clique or group of friends, it is often used as a term of endearment; “you are totally my bff.”
other words
You are the best of my best ever friends. I really value your friendship. We’re friends.
acronym
btw
by·the·way
definition
Used to signify an aside, an alternate point, or to initiate a segue. Also it can be used to clumsily open a conversation; “btw your boss is a loser.”
other words
By the by your boss is a loser. Moving along, your boss is a loser. Your boss is a loser.
verb
cya
see·you
definition
A phonetic phrase used as a goodbye, very colloquial in use, similar to the phrase it originates from; “cya later, I’ve gotta do homework.”
other words
Chat you up later. I must go right now. Bye.
acronym
dtf
down·to·fuck
definition
Primarily used as a description of a mood. It can also be used to describe someones general disposition; “Frieda is almost always dtf.”
other words
I’m feeling rather promiscuous today. I would like to fornicate. Let’s fuck.
acronym
fml
fuck·my·life
definition
Used to express regret at an instance or happening, often used in a vaguely humorous way; “my shopping bag just broke, fml.”
other words
I want to cut my wrists in suicide. My life is very unfortunate right now. Life sucks.
acronym
fu
fuck·you
definition
Most often used to express anger. fu can be used in a number of places; “I told him fu u idiot.”
other words
You can just go right ahead and die in a fire. I really don’t like you. Fuck you.
acronym
gtfo
get·the·fuck·out
definition
Commonly used to express anger. It is used primarily to evict someone from a conversation or location; “I told my mom to gtfo yesterday”
other words
Get out of here you stupid dweeb. Would you please just leave. Leave.
verb
h8
hate
definition
Used to describe someone’s usage or phrasing of something or a general attitude. An example of this might be; “don’t h8 on my new blue shoes!”
other words
Don’t be jealous because my shoes are nicer. Why are you making fun of my new shoes? Don’t hate.
verb
haha
ha·ha·ha
definition
Often used to describe something as amusing, it is meant to mimic the sound someone makes as they laugh, it is less common then acronyms; “haha, you’re so funny Marina.”
other words
You know whats really super funny, you. I’ve gained much amusement from this. Funny.
acronym
ilu
I·love·you
definition
A term of endearment, because of its shortened nature it implies a less serious kind of love; “ilu because you like chocolate.”
other words
I feel a very strong attraction to you. I think you’re pretty great. Like.
acronym
imu
I·miss·you
definition
This phrase is meant to express the sadness, because of its bite sized nature it tends to feel small and inadequate; “imu so much sometimes!”
other words
I want teleportation skills as soon as possible. I wish that I could spend more time with you. Miss you.
acronym
lmao
laughing·my·ass·off
definition
Used to describe a state of humour, the length of the acronym is meant to suggest that someone has found something particularly funny; “LMAO, you’re hilarious.”
other words
Really much too funny my dear watson. You are really funny! Hilarious.
acronym
lol
laugh·out·loud
definition
Used to signify that something has been found very mildly humorous, used often; “lol, I just saw Everyone Loves Raymond.”
other words
That was ridiculously hysterical. The way that was put was very clever. Super funny.
adjective
newb
new·b
definition
A term used to describe someone as inferior or less accomplished in any number of areas; “Jimmy is such a newb.”
other words
Your skills are inferior in every way. You are severely lacking. Loser.
acronym
nsfw
not·safe·for·work
definition
People often browse the internet at work, in many cases there is content that is not safe for consumption at work, hence this censoring term; “nsfw pictures below.”
other words
Unsafe filthy dirt pictures to follow. This should be censored for your workplace. Censored.
verb
nvm
never·mind
definition
A phrase to explain that something is unimportant or no longer relevant in the current context; “nvm about bringing candy.”
other words
Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. I would not worry about it. Nevermind.
acronym
omg
oh·my·god
definition
Used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion. Potentially offensive and slightly juvenile in tone; “omg you stole my popsicle!”
other words
Why would you say something like that? What exactly is that about? What?
adjective
ph33r
fear
definition
This word phonetically expresses the idea of fear, it is used primarily to bring levity to the idea of fear; “ph33r me fool.”
other words
You should feel the terror from my eyes. I think that you should be afraid. Be scared.
verb
pwned
po·oh·ned
definition
Used to express a victory and a certain level of disrespect for the subject that was overcome; “I pwned that can of pop bad.”
other words
Consider yourself destroyed fool. I look down upon you. Crushed.
acronym
ru
are·you
definition
Mostly used as a lazy inquiry, or used to ask a question as in; “ru going to Max’s tonight?”
other words
What is your destination this evening? Are you planning on going to Max’s later? Going out tonight?
adjective
skeezy
ski·easy
definition
Used to describe a noun, although primarily used for people or places, it is much the same as describing something as dirty or seedy; “Ted is such a skeeze bag.”
other words
Filthy, you’re a filthy dirty person. Ted is very unclean. Dirty.
adjective
snap
sn·app
definition
An expression that signifies an unexpected, often humorous event or happening. It can be used in a number of contexts; “oh snap, blueberry popsicle?”
other words
Oh no you didn’t! How/why did that happen? Crazy.
adjective
swag
sw·a·gg
definition
A term that is used to describe a noun in a positive light, a shortened version of swagger; “Clair B. had mad swag today!”
other words
You’re just the coolest cat. How very wonderful of you. Fantastic.
acronym
ttyl
talk·to·you·later
definition
A very popular goodbye, very colloquial and speaks of a promise for future contact; “I gotta go make dinner, I’ll ttyl Jaws.”
other words
Mangle words with you later home slice. I will contact you at a later date. Talk later.
verb
woo
w·o·o·o
definition
Often used to describe something a person is experiencing as fun or entertaining, o’s can be added to increase its effect; “wooooooo, that roller-coaster was nuts!”
other words
That was one wet and wild time. That was so crazy! Insane.
acronym
wtf
what·the·fuck
definition
Used primarily to express confusion or anger. It is mostly used to lead a sentence; “wtf was that for?”
other words
What is that even supposed to mean, fool? What are you even talking about? What’s the issue?