What Does “WYO” Mean? Internet Slang Definition

What does “WYO” mean? If a text message appeared in your inbox saying, “WYO,” it can be confusing to understand what it stands for. American English had undergone some degree of transformation, thanks to the internet. Internet slang has used acronyms and abbreviations to describe common expressions and phrases.

Learn what “WYO” means in this short guide…

“WYO” meaning and definition

“WYO” stands for “What You On?” It’s a way of asking someone about their current or future plans. For example, another way of saying the intention being this abbreviation would be, “What are your plans this evening?” It has the same meaning as someone saying, “What are you doing right now?” Or, “What do you plan on doing later?”

“WYO” is a type of initialism.

Does “WYO” mean Wyoming? It’s important to look at the context of the conversation. Since the acronym is getting used as a type of greeting or conversation starter, it’s unlikely that it means Wyoming. Rather, it’s a sign that someone would like to hang out with you.

Capitalization

Most commonly, “WYO” will get sent in ALL CAPS or all lowercase letters.

Correct: WYO

Correct: wyo

Incorrect: wYO

Incorrect: wYo

Intention

The intention of the abbreviation is to inquire. Rather, to ask a question. Here are synonyms for the abbreviation:

• Inquisition
• Inquiry
• Planning
• What’s up?
• Whassup?
• How’s it going?
• How’s it hanging?

It could get used to make new plans with friends and family. Or to start a conversation.

Usage

What does “WYO” stand for? Remember, it stands for “What You On?” Meaning, it would be highly inappropriate to use this abbreviation in a business setting. It is considered informal language and should get avoided in the workplace.

Social media: Snapchat TV, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Text messaging: Direct messages, one-on-one text conversations, and more.

History of “WYO”

Urban Dictionary dates this abbreviation back to 2018. Making this abbreviation a more recently used abbreviation than other acronyms. The intention of the abbreviation has always stayed the same, it is used to say the phrase, “What You On?”

Many synonyms can get used to describe the intention, including “What’s up?” And “What’s going on?” It has always been a type of greeting, where one friend is trying to ask another friend what they are currently involved with.

Examples of “WYO” getting used in a conversation

Here are examples where two people are using “WYO” in a conversation:

Example one

Friend 1: “Hey, WYO?!”

Friend 2: “Nothing much, just hanging out right now. Going to that party later. What are you up to?”

In this example, the first friend is using the “WYO” abbreviation to start a conversation. And ask what they are involved with at the current moment.

Example two

Friend 1: “I hope I can make it to the store later. WYO?”

Friend 2: “I’m sitting here doing absolutely nothing. Would you like to hang out later?”

“WYO” is getting used at the end of a sentence in this example. It’s possible for “WYO” to get used in the middle, end, and start of a sentence. Typically, it has the same meaning and intention behind it. It’s important to look at the context of the conversation to determine the exact relationship to the communication.

Similar acronyms and short forms

Here are acronyms similar to “WYO”:

DYK: Used by news agencies and TV channels (like Snapchat TV—now Snap Originals) to communicate a news story.

W^: A way of saying, “What’s up?” This is another type of conversation starter.

SUP: Or “Sup?” Meaning “What’s up?” A conversation starter that could get typed in all capital letters.

Common FAQs

Questions and answers.

What does “WYO” mean on Snapchat?

“WYO” means the same thing on Snapchat as through text message, “What You On?” More recently, the Cameos Snapchat feature has added a type of filter that lets you send a “WYO” to friends.

Does “WYO” mean the state of Wyoming?

Yes. Although, it is very important to look at the context of your communication. For example, if someone is starting a conversation over text message, they intend to say the words, “What You On?” Or, “What’s going on?”

How should I respond to someone texting me, “WYO?”

To respond, you should allude to your plans for the day or current plans. A person is most commonly using “WYO” to inquire about making plans together. Respond with honest and open communication.

Sources

1. What does sup mean? | Best 35 Definitions of Sup
2. wyo – Urban Dictionary
3. What Does WYO Mean? | The Word Counter
4. Wyo. – Wiktionary
5. WYO – What does WYO stand for? The Free Dictionary