DW

What Does DW Mean?

DW usually means "Don't Worry", but it has other meanings too. More specifically, in a gaming context, the abbreviation DW refers to "Distant Worlds 2." It can also mean "Dear Wife" or "Doctor Who." Here's a little more information about each of these definitions of DW.

Don't Worry

In general online chat and in text messaging, DW is often used with the meaning "Don't Worry" to reassure someone. For example:
  • Bob: Eek! I've lost my phone!
  • Anne: DW, I'll call you. It'll be under some clothes in your floordrobe.

Distant Worlds 2

In a gaming context (e.g., on gaming apps, such as Discord), DW usually refers to the game "Distant Worlds 2." DW is a game of space discovery, in which players meet up at way points to take part in a variety of online events and projects.

Video Summarizing DW

Here's a short video explaining how to use DW:

Dear Wife

DW is sometimes used with the meaning "Dear Wife." In this context, DW is typically used by married men when talking about their spouse.

Doctor Who

DW is also used with the meaning "Doctor Who" to refer to the long-running BBC TV series of the same name. However, this use of DW is generally restricted to devout fans of the show. (Especially for those fans, here's a clip of the title scene of the very first episode of DW.)

The Original 1963 Titles | Doctor Who

Image for DW

When I write DW, I mean this: meaning of DW DW is also used to mean "Dear Wife" and "Doctor Who."

Summary of Key Points

First definition of DW

"Distant Worlds" is the most common definition for DW, especially on gaming apps, such as Discord and Telegram.
DW
Definition:Distant Worlds (Game)
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Second definition of DW

"Don't Worry" is the most common definition for DW in general chat on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
DW
Definition:Don't Worry
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
3: Guessable
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Third definition of DW

"Dear Wife" is another definition for DW.
DW
Definition:Dear Wife
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:
Adults

Fourth definition of DW

DW is also sometimes used to refer to the BBV TV series "Doctor Who."
DW
Definition:Doctor Who
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

More...

Examples of DW in Sentences

Here are examples of DW being used in conversations:
  • Benny: See you at the DW waypoint weekend.
  • Alex: Not sure I can make it. There's a DW convention on in town that weekend. I am going as a Dalek.
    • (Here, DW refers both to the game "Distant Worlds 2" and to the TV series "Doctor Who.")
  • Husband: I'm not getting any work done at all.
  • Wife: DW. Just think of yourself as being great at multitasking, like your DW. But, unlike me, you can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once.
    • (Here, DW means both "Don't Worry" and "Dear Wife.")

An Academic Look at DW

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Dee Dublyoo"), DW is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

When used with the meaning "Don't Worry," DW plays the role of an imperative sentence (i.e., an order).

Example of DW Used in a Text

DW

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See Also

Discord (Gaming Communications App) ALLOW (don't worry) DWAI (don't worry about it) DWBH (don't worry be happy) DWBI (don't worry 'bout it) NTW (not to worry)