M8

What Does M8 Mean in a Text?

M8 means "Mate." The abbreviation M8 is an informal term of endearment for a friend. Most often used between men, M8 can also be a term of general acknowledgement.

M8 uses the number 8 to replace the letters "ate." Here are some other terms that make use of this efficiency:

Image for M8

When I write M8, I mean this:

meaning of M8

M8 means Mate.

Summary of Key Points

"Mate" is the most common definition for M8 on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
M8
Definition:Mate
Type:Internet Slang Term
Guessability:guessability level 1
1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of M8 in Sentences

Here are examples of M8 being used in conversations:
  • Roly: Shall I pick you up at 8pm?
  • Sam: Ah, M8 that'd be fantastic.
  • Penny: I heard people talking about you yesterday, but I told them none of it was true.
  • Liz: Thanks, you're a proper M8.

An Academic Look at M8

Technically, M8 is not an abbreviation but an "internet slang term" because some of its characters are used as substitutes for letters. Most "slang terms" were introduced to reduce the number of key strokes required to write the word, but since the arrival of predictive texting and keyboards on mobile devices, this efficiency is no longer required. Nevertheless, "slang terms" are still regularly used to make messages more entertaining or to express individuality. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "mate" instead of using M8.

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of M8 Used in a Text

M8
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