Teens and young adults have always had their own slang and shorthand to communicate with friends. But with the rise of social media and evolving internet culture, Gen Z has taken teenage lingo to the next level.
If you‘ve stumbled across the term "wyll" on TikTok or Instagram, you may have asked yourself — what does this even mean?! Read on for a breakdown of this popular slang abbreviation, why it can come across the wrong way, and how to navigate questionable "wyll" requests.
The Meaning Behind the Viral "Wyll" Trend
First things first — "wyll" stands for "what you look like." It‘s often used by boys sliding into a girl‘s DMs to request a photo after minimal conversation.
Essentially, they want to cut to the chase instead of putting in the effort to get to know someone first.
According to Urban Dictionary, here‘s an example conversation where "wyll" might pop up:
***Guy: Hey
Girl: Hi
Guy: Wyll?***
While curiosity about someone‘s appearance is natural, leading with "wyll" right off the bat can feel invasive and objectifying. Many women report feeling pressured to share photos or video call complete strangers after getting hit with this slang term.
When "Wyll" Requests Cross the Line
According to a survey by Plan International UK, 1 in 5 girls have been asked to share intimate photos online by someone they don‘t know well or at all. A whopping 71% felt harassed into sharing more photos after sending an initial image.
This disturbing data reveals the dark side of casual "wyll" requests and expectations around girls posting photos online. What may seem harmless to some can enable more predatory behavior.
So if you‘re tempted to shoot a "wyll" to someone you barely know, it‘s better to refrain. Commenting on someone‘s looks right off the bat suggests you value appearance over personality or emotional connection.
How to Use "Wyll" Respectfully
However, not all "wyll" requests have ill intentions. If said tactfully between friends, asking what someone looks like may come from a place of friendly interest rather than pressure or objectification.
Here are some appropriate ways to use "wyll" without making someone feel uncomfortable:
- After chatting platonically for a while to establish rapport
- Posed as a question rather than a demand
- Alongside a conversation starter about common interests
- Flipped to put the focus back on you (e.g. "I just got a haircut, wyll now?")
The key is showing genuine interest in the person as an individual first, rather than leading with curiosity about their looks alone.
The Evolution of Internet Slang Terms
Every generation has their own slang shaped by the technology and culture of their time.
"Wyll" and similar online abbreviations have emerged from the hyperspeed communication on social media and messaging apps. Shorthand helps speed up conversations, especially on platforms like TikTok with tight character limits.
But while efficient, these terse slang terms often derive from meme culture and inside jokes rather than proper English.
As media psychologist Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center, told TIME Magazine:
"There’s a whole language that’s evolved, that’s almost impenetrable to outsiders. It’s quite likely that youth culture is constantly going to be changing in this way."
So if you feel like young people are speaking a different language, you‘re not alone! Internet slang evolves rapidly as viral memes and celebrity references come and go.
Why Lingo Differs Across Social Platforms
Beyond widespread terms like "wyll" and "no cap" (no lie), you‘ll notice platform-specific slang on sites like:
TikTok
- Cheugy: Out of style, trying too hard
- Gaslight: To manipulate someone into questioning their reality
- Simp: Someone who does way too much for a crush
- Subtweet: A tweet indirectly calling someone out without tagging them
- Finsta: Fake Instagram account with close friends
Snapchat
- Thirst trap: Sexy photo posted to attract attention
- Hit me on the snap: Asking to message on Snapchat
If you‘re new to a site, learning the lingo helps you understand inside jokes and memes. Each platform attracts different groups, driving unique slang catered to their interests.
TikTok leans toward Gen Z sharing bite-sized videos on universal topics. Twitter features news commentary attracting millennials. Snapchat is often used for ephemeral sharing between friends.
Over time, popular terms jump platforms and enter the mainstream. But platforms continue cooking up new linguistic trends to reflect shifts in user interests.
Staying in the Loop on Emerging Online Slang
By now your head is probably spinning trying to keep up with ever-changing internet slang! Here are some ways to brush up on the latest lingo:
- Follow meme accounts on social sites like Instagram to see trending terms
- Check Urban Dictionary definitions of unfamiliar slang
- Ask younger friends/family to explain viral references
- Google new phrases as they emerge on popular platforms
Stay curious, ask lots of questions, and don‘t stress about keeping up with it all! Internet slang comes and goes at lightning speed, so even youth today struggle to maintain complete fluency.
From "wyll" to "gaslighting," modern internet slang provides teens an efficient shorthand way to communicate online. However, brief trendy terms often derive from meme culture rather than proper English.
Slang also differs across platforms based on their user demographics and interests. So if you‘re new to a site, learning the hip lingo can help you better understand the culture.
When it comes to using slang tactfully, it‘s all about reading the room. Terms like "wyll" may land playfully between friends. But between strangers, leading with appearance-focused lingo can feel invasive and pressuring.
At the end of the day, quality connections come down to showing genuine interest in the whole person. That usually requires taking the time to ask questions, not demands. Choose curiosity over assumptions, empathy over expectations.
What are your thoughts on Gen Z‘s unique internet slang? What other trending terms have you noticed? Share below!
