MIA

What Does MIA Mean in a Text?

MIA usually means "Missing In Action." It is also the title of a song by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny and the stage name of British artist Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam. Here is more information about each of these definitions, together with examples of use.

Missing In Action

The abbreviation MIA is a term used by the military (especially in the US) to refer to a service person who is "Missing In Action" (i.e., someone who has not returned from a military operation and whose fate is unknown).

Although "Missing In Action" has a military origin, MIA is now commonly seen on gaming forums and is also widely used to refer to anyone who has not been seen for a while. For example:

• Dominic Satini: Is Sinjin still listed as MIA?
• Stringfellow Hawke: Yes. But, I'm going to take Airwolf and find him.
(Here, MIA is being used in its military sense.)

• Alan: Party time! Where's Toby?
• Joe: He's MIA again!
(Here, MIA is being used in its broader sense. It means that Toby has disappeared, e.g., gone home, met a girl, been left behind.)

Video Summarizing MIA

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

Song by "Bad Bunny"

MIA is also the title of a 2018 song by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, featuring vocals from Canadian rapper Drake. The song, inSpanish, was a worldwide hit:

Bad Bunny feat. Drake - Mia (Official Music Video)

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam

M.I.A. (with periods/full stops) is the stage name of Grammy and Oscar-nominated Tamil/British rapper, singer, songwriter and activist Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam. Check out her 2015 release "Borders:

M.I.A. - Borders (Official Music Video)

Image for MIA

When I write MIA, I mean this:

MIA more commonly means "Missing in Action."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition of MIA

"Missing In Action" is the most common definition for MIA especially on gaming forums, as well as on Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Facebook.

MIA
Definition:	Missing In Action"
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition of MIA

MIA is the title of a song by Bad Bunny & Drake.

MIA
Definition:	Song by Bad Bunny & Drake
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition of MIA

MIA is also the stage name of British artist Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam.

MIA
Definition:	Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at MIA

When used with the meaning "Missing In Action," MIA is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Emm Eye Ay"). It can be used as either noun (i.e., a naming word) or an adjective (i.e., a describing word). For example:

• Sinjin's an MIA. (Noun.)
• Sinjin Hawke is an MIA soldier. (Adjective.)

Example of MIA Used in a Text

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