Meanwhile, new users may be confused by standard slang terms like “DW.”
What’s the Meaning of DW?
Using the slang “DW” is a fantastic way to break up a tense Snapchat conversation. Now, let’s have a look at how it’s used below.
Useful in Abbreviating “Don’t Worry“
As previously said, DW stands for “don’t worry.” It’s used to advise someone to relax and stop worrying about anything in this context. It can be used as a standalone message or in combination with other phrases. E.g., “do about it,” or “do too much about what happened yesterday.” It’s a common expression in text messaging and other chat apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. Instead of the uppercase “DW,” the initialism is written in lowercase “do.” With a slash between the letters, it can also be written as “d/w.” This style, however, is obsolete.
Useful in Abbreviating “Dear Wife”
DW is also helpful when addressing someone about your wife (this is for married men). It stands for “dear wife” or “darling wife” in that context. While this usage is far less prevalent on Snapchat than “don’t worry,” you might come across it occasionally. It’s frequently heard in stories or posts about someone’s spouse. For instance, you could say, “My DW just surprised me on my birthday, or My DW will be traveling to the UK tomorrow for a work schedule. I think I’m going to be bored!”
The Origination of DW
The phrase “don’t worry” has been around for quite some time. It was made famous by Bobby McFerrin’s hit song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” which reached number one on the charts in 1988. DW was one of the first online acronyms to gain popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its first definition in Urban Dictionary was published in 2003. DW first appeared in online chatrooms and early internet forums, alongside slang phrases like TBH and AFK. With the rise of instant messaging apps like Snapchat, it grew even more popular.
Conclusion
DW has been a popular Snapchat slang for quite some time. You’ll often find users using this slang on Snapchat to make the conversation lively. At times, sending full-length words in a conversation doesn’t bring a spark. That’s where slang words like DW and others come into play. As said in this guide, the initial meaning for DW is don’t worry; however, it can also be interpreted as “dear wife” because English is contextual.