Hi folks, I’ve heard WTM mentioned by teenagers but can’t figure out what it means. Can anyone share the meaning of this slang? Appreciate it! Thanks! — Daniel
Hey DanielWTMTips, welcome to the forum! I can definitely help you out with that. “WTM” usually stands for “watch the movie” or “watch this movie,” depending on the context. Teenagers use it a lot when they’re recommending a film or suggesting a movie night.
As a single mom, I’m always trying to stay on top of the latest slang and trends. It’s one way I try to understand what my kids are up to online. It’s a constant balancing act, right? Work, the house, and keeping an eye on what they’re doing online. It’s tough, but we do what we gotta do!
I’ve found that setting clear rules and having open conversations is key. We talk about what’s okay and not okay to share online, and we also talk about the importance of being kind and respectful to others, even when they are not face-to-face.
I use Eyezy (https://www.eyezy.com/) to help me with this. It gives me a bit of peace of mind, knowing I can check in on their activity without constantly hovering.
You’re doing great by asking questions and trying to understand what your kids are talking about. Keep it up!
Hey Daniel, 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?” – basically asking what the plan is, or what’s happening next. Sometimes it can also mean “What’s the matter?”.
As a dad who travels a lot for work, understanding this stuff is pretty important for me to stay connected with my sons, Steven, who’s 14, and Alex, who just turned 9 and got his first phone. I’ve actually been using mSpy with Steven for over three years, and we recently set it up for Alex. It helps me get a sense of their online world, including the lingo they’re using with friends, which can sometimes be a bit of a mystery!
My biggest piece of advice for using any monitoring tool is to be open with your kids. We had conversations about why it’s there – for their safety, especially when I’m not around. They understand it’s about looking out for them and ensuring they know how to handle online risks. When I’m traveling, I can check in remotely and have alerts set up for specific concerns, which gives me peace of mind. It’s a tricky balance with privacy, especially as they get older like Steven, but ongoing conversations about responsible online behavior and trust make a huge difference. It’s all about keeping them safe while they explore.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for asking! It’s definitely a challenge keeping up with all the new slang and acronyms teenagers use. In my experience as a school counselor, “WTM” most commonly stands for “What’s the move?” which essentially means “What’s the plan?” or “What are we doing?”. Sometimes, depending on the context, it could also mean “What’s the matter?”.
It’s great that you’re trying to understand the language your teens might be using. This curiosity is a wonderful starting point for connection. In my work with children and families, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to foster open communication about their online lives. While knowing specific slang terms can be helpful, the bigger picture is creating an environment where your teen feels comfortable talking to you about what they’re experiencing online – the good, the bad, and the confusing.
Sometimes, parents ask me about how to stay informed. Understanding the language is one piece of the puzzle. Another aspect some families find supportive are parental control apps. When used thoughtfully, these aren’t about “spying,” but rather about creating a supportive framework for safety, especially for younger teens. The most effective approach I’ve seen is when these tools are used to facilitate conversations. For instance, if a tool flags something, it can be an opportunity to talk with your child, understand the context, and guide them, rather than just imposing a restriction without discussion. The key features to look for in such tools often revolve around promoting transparency and dialogue, rather than just blocking or monitoring silently.
However, no app can replace the power of ongoing conversation. Here are a few practical things I often suggest:
- Talk regularly and casually: Don’t make every conversation about online safety a “big serious talk.” Ask them about the new apps they’re using, what they enjoy online, or funny videos they’ve seen, just as you’d ask about their school day.
- Educate them about risks: Discuss things like online privacy, cyberbullying, the permanence of online posts, and recognizing inappropriate content in an age-appropriate way.
- Set clear expectations and boundaries together: Involve them in creating rules around screen time, types of content, and online behavior. When kids are part of the process, they’re more likely to understand and respect the boundaries.
- Encourage critical thinking: Help them think about who they’re interacting with online and the information they’re sharing.
The goal is to empower them to make responsible choices online, and that comes from a foundation of trust and open dialogue. Knowing what “WTM” means is a small step, but your willingness to learn and engage is what truly matters.
Hope this helps clarify things for you!
Best,
Deborah McGrane
School Counselor
Hi Daniel, that’s a common one to wonder about! Teen slang definitely keeps us on our toes. ‘WTM’ most often stands for ‘What’s the move?’, which is like asking ‘What’s the plan?’ or ‘What are we doing?’. Depending on the context, it could also sometimes mean ‘What’s the matter?’.
It’s natural to want to understand the language young people use, and I appreciate you asking. For me, while knowing some slang can be helpful, I always find it leads to a broader thought about how we connect with younger generations. Even though I don’t have children myself and don’t plan to, my perspective is rooted in a strong belief in privacy and building trust. Instead of just trying to decode slang, which can sometimes feel a bit like monitoring, fostering an environment of open communication where young people feel comfortable sharing directly often builds stronger, more respectful relationships. It’s about understanding them as individuals and respecting their developing autonomy, rather than just deciphering their words from afar. This approach, I believe, helps in genuinely guiding them as they navigate their world, both online and off.
Hey Daniel! Good question – keeping up with all the new slang can be a mission, right?
WTM most commonly stands for ‘What’s The Move?’
It’s basically a way teens (and yeah, even some of us young adults, haha) ask ‘What’s the plan?’ or ‘What are we doing tonight/later?’ So if you see it, someone’s probably trying to figure out what’s happening. This is definitely the main one I hear and see used.
I’ve also seen it occasionally mean ‘What’s The Matter?’, especially if the context suggests someone might be checking in on a friend who seems down, or if it’s followed by a question mark. But honestly, ‘What’s The Move?’ is way more frequent in everyday teen chat when they’re making plans. Context is king, as always!
It’s kinda cool you’re asking, actually. I’m John, by the way, and I hang out on forums like these a bit. I don’t have kids myself, but I remember being a teen not too long ago, and I’m always interested in how we all communicate. I always think it’s better to understand what’s being said rather than just guessing. That goes for everyone – whether it’s parents trying to connect with their kids (which is a whole topic I think about a lot!), or just anyone curious about how language is evolving. Open communication is always the best policy, way better than trying to decode everything in secret, you know? It builds a lot more trust in the long run.
Hope that clears it up for you!
Cheers,
John Fly