Hi all, I’ve noticed teens often use WTM while chatting. Does anyone know what it means and how it’s used? Thanks! — Chloe
Hey Chloe, welcome to the forum! I hear you, keeping up with all this teen slang can feel like a full-time job in itself, right? As a single mom, I’m constantly trying to decode what my kids are talking about.
From what I understand, “WTM” usually stands for “Way To Make”. It’s often used sarcastically or to express disbelief. For example, if someone says something silly, a teen might respond with “WTM, seriously?”.
It’s definitely something you’ll hear more and more as your kids get older. I know it can be frustrating, but I find it’s really important to stay engaged, even if it’s just asking for a translation every now and then. I try to keep an eye on what my kids are doing online, and that means understanding the language they use.
I’ve found that using a parental control app has been a lifesaver. It’s helped me understand their online activity, and it gives me a heads-up if they’re using any new slang I don’t recognize. It’s been a huge help, especially since I’m juggling everything on my own.
It’s a lot to manage, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a journey, and we’re all learning as we go!
Hi ChloeWTMDecode,
Great question! Keeping up with teen slang can feel like a full-time job, right? From what I’ve seen, “WTM” usually stands for “What’s the move?” which is basically teens asking “What’s the plan?” or “What are we doing?”. Sometimes, though less commonly, it can also mean “What’s the matter?”. Context is key with these acronyms!
As a dad who travels a lot for work, understanding this stuff is pretty important for me to stay connected with my boys. I’ve been using monitoring tools on my 14-year-old son Steven’s phone for over three years now, and we just set it up for my 9-year-old, Alex, who recently got his first phone. It helps me get a sense of their online world, including the slang they use.
My biggest tip for using any monitoring tool effectively is open communication. I’ve had ongoing conversations with Steven about why it’s in place – primarily for his safety, especially when I’m not around. With Alex, we’re starting those chats now. It’s about ensuring they understand online risks and know they can come to me. When I’m traveling, I set up alerts for certain keywords or unusual activity, and I make sure to review things remotely. It’s a balance, respecting their growing need for privacy while ensuring they’re safe. It’s not always easy, but keeping those lines of communication open makes a huge difference.
Hi Chloe, that’s a great question! Teen slang can definitely feel like a rapidly changing landscape. From what I understand, “WTM” often stands for “What’s the move?” meaning “What’s the plan?” or “What are we doing?”. Sometimes it can also be “What’s the matter?”.
It’s natural to want to understand the language young people are using. However, I often think about the broader context of how we connect with them. While I don’t have children myself and don’t plan to, my views are rooted in a strong belief in privacy and autonomy. Instead of solely focusing on decoding slang, which can sometimes feel a bit like monitoring, I believe fostering open communication is incredibly valuable. When kids feel their boundaries are respected and trust is established, they’re often more willing to share and explain things themselves. Encouraging critical thinking about their online world and modeling responsible digital citizenship can also be powerful alternatives to more direct oversight. It’s about building understanding through connection, not just decryption.
Hi ChloeWTMDecode,
Thanks for asking this question! It’s completely understandable to want to keep up with the language teens are using online – it can feel like a whole new dialect sometimes!
From my experience working with students and their families, “WTM” most commonly stands for “What’s the move?” This is often used when teens are trying to figure out what to do, what the plan is, or where to go. For example, someone might text “WTM tonight?” meaning “What are we doing tonight?”
It can also sometimes mean “What’s the matter?” if the context suggests someone is checking in on a friend who might seem down or upset. Like any slang, the exact meaning can shift a bit depending on the context of the conversation and the specific group of friends using it.
This brings up a really important point about teen communication: it’s constantly evolving! What’s popular today might be out tomorrow. While it’s helpful to be aware of common acronyms, the bigger picture is fostering an environment where you can talk openly with your teen about their online world.
Here are a few thoughts that might be helpful:
- Open Communication is Key: The best way to understand what your teen is saying and doing online is to cultivate a relationship where they feel comfortable sharing with you. Instead of just trying to decode slang, try asking them about their online experiences, who they’re talking to, and what they enjoy (and don’t enjoy) about it. If you see an acronym you don’t understand, you could even ask them directly in a curious, non-judgmental way. Sometimes they’re happy to share!
- Educate About Online Risks and Responsibility: Beyond just the slang, it’s crucial to have ongoing conversations about online safety, responsible digital citizenship, privacy settings, and the permanence of online content. Help them understand how to identify and respond to risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or approaches from strangers.
- Setting Healthy Boundaries: Work together with your teen to establish reasonable guidelines for screen time, what’s appropriate to share online, and when devices should be put away (like during family meals or before bed). When teens are part of this process, they’re often more receptive.
- Parental Control Apps as a Supportive Tool: Some parents find parental control apps helpful as a tool to support these efforts. It’s less about “catching” them and more about having a general awareness of their digital environment, especially for younger teens. When considering such apps, you might look for features that can help you understand the types of sites or apps they’re using, manage screen time, or filter inappropriate content. The goal of these tools should be to support your conversations and guidance, not to replace trust or become a means of constant surveillance, which can sometimes backfire and make teens feel spied upon. It’s a balance, and what works for one family might not work for another. The most effective use I’ve seen is when these tools are used transparently and as a springboard for discussion.
- Stay Curious, Not Accusatory: If you come across something concerning, approach your teen with curiosity and concern rather than accusation. “I noticed you used this word/visited this site, can we talk about that?” often works better than an immediate reprimand.
Ultimately, ChloeWTMDecode, understanding specific acronyms like “WTM” is a small piece of the puzzle. The larger, more important work is in building that trusting relationship and equipping your teen with the skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Hope this helps a bit!
Warmly,
Deborah McGrane
School Counselor
Hey Chloe! Good question – teen slang can be like a whole other language sometimes, haha! It’s easy to feel a bit lost if you’re not in the loop.
From what I’ve seen and heard, WTM most commonly stands for “What’s The Move?” It’s basically a way of asking “What’s the plan?” or “What are we doing?” or “What’s up?” For example, someone might text, “WTM tonight? Wanna catch a movie?”
It can sometimes also mean “What’s The Matter?” if the context suggests someone is upset or something is wrong. And, like a lot of acronyms, depending on the tone, it could even be a sarcastic “Whatever That Means.” Context is definitely key with these things!
I can see why folks, especially parents, get curious about these acronyms. It’s natural to want to understand what your kids are talking about and what’s going on in their world.
Now, I’m not a parent myself, but as a young adult who’s been on the teen side of these conversations not too long ago (and still sees these dynamics play out all the time!), trying to keep up with every new slang term can be a full-time job. They change so fast!
What I’ve often found works better for bridging that understanding gap is fostering open communication. Instead of just trying to decode everything from the outside (which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or unnecessary worry), if there’s a good foundation of trust, sometimes a simple, non-judgmental, “Hey, I saw you use ‘WTM’ in a chat, what’s that mean?” can actually be a cool way to connect. It shows genuine interest rather than just suspicion, you know?
It kind of ties into that whole big question of how parents can strike a balance between ensuring their kids are safe online and giving them a sense of independence. When teens feel trusted and respected, they’re often more open to talking about what’s going on, slang included. Constant monitoring, on the other hand, can sometimes make teens feel like they’re not trusted, which can make them clam up even more – even if they’re just innocently asking a friend “WTM” to make plans.
So yeah, “WTM” itself is usually pretty harmless, just part of how teens chat efficiently. And building that open dialogue, where teens feel comfortable sharing, can often be a more effective way for parents to stay connected and ensure their kids are navigating the online world safely, rather than just trying to crack every code.
Hope that helps clear up “WTM” for you!
Cheers,
John Fly