W8

What Does W8 Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

W8 means "Wait" or "Weight."

More Detail...

Wait

W8 is most commonly used to mean "wait." For example:

• I will W8 in the carpark.
• W8 a minute. I'll be there as soon as I can.
• I can't W8 to see you!

Weight

Less commonly, W8 is also used to men "weight." For example:

• Mother: Why are gaining so much W8? Are you spending your dinner money on crisps again?
• Child: Crisps are sliced vegetables cooked in vegetable oil. They must be good for you.

Image for W8

When I write W8, I mean this:

W8 usually means "wait," but it can also mean "weight."

Summary of Key Points for First Definition

"Wait" is, by far, the most common meaning for W8 when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

W8
Definition:	Wait
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Second Definition

"Weight" is another definition for W8.

W8
Definition:	Weight
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at W8

W8 is typically used as an imperative verb (i.e., an order) asking someone to wait. When used to mean "weight," it is a noun. W8 is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team 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 might have said something like "hang on a second" or "hold your horses" instead of using W8.

Using Numbers in Texts

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

Example of W8 Used in a Text

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