YW is the abbreviation of “you’re welcome.” You can use it when you want to be polite yet casual when replying to thank you (TY) or thank you very much (TYVM).
YW is one of the most common abbreviations that teenagers use in texting and on social media like Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter, and generally, it means the same thing everywhere.
How to Use YW
Obviously, you will only use YW when someone thanks you for something. Dropping a “YW” in your text conversations is a simple way to keep things friendly and acknowledge a thank you. It’s particularly useful in informal settings or among peers.
For example, your friend might text you, “Hey, thanks for helping me out today!” You can respond with, “Yw, that’s what friends are for!”
How to Reply to YW
Replying to YW isn’t always necessary, especially in cases where the exchange has reached its natural conclusion. However, if you wish to continue the conversation or express further gratitude or feedback, you can certainly do so. Here are two examples:
Example 1:
- Friend: “Hey, I got the book you recommended. Thanks again!”
- You: “YW! Hope you enjoy it.”
- Friend: “Will do, I’m starting it tonight. Heard so much good stuff about it!”
Example 2:
Friend: “Thanks for helping me out earlier.”
You: “yw, anytime!”
Friend: “Seriously, it meant a lot. Let’s catch up soon over coffee?”
These two text examples demonstrate how conversations can naturally continue even after the use of “yw.”
The key is to keep it casual and in line with the tone of the ongoing discussion. Whether it’s showing further appreciation, providing feedback, or suggesting a meet-up, the responses to “yw” help in maintaining the flow of conversation and building upon the initial exchange of thanks.
Other Meanings
Interestingly enough, sometimes people use “you’re welcome” and yw in a slightly sarcastic manner. They do it usually when they don’t get a “thank you” that they think they deserve.
Let’s say you gave your friend a ride to an important appointment because their car broke down, but they hurried off without thanking you. Later on, when they talk about making it to the appointment on time, you might reply:
You: “Glad you made it on time! Yw for the ride this morning, btw 😄”
Here, the YW serves to gently remind your friend of your help, with light sarcasm to make the point without causing offense.
Apart from that, there are several other meanings of YW:
- Yeah, whatever
- Yo, wassup
- Young Women (used in Mormon church)
- Yes Way (a funny response to “no way”)
Alternatives and Variations
There are several other ways you can say “you’re welcome” without using yw:
- Anytime
- NP – No Problem
- uw/urw – u’re welcome
- No worries
- NBD – No Big Deal
- Don’t sweat it
Conclusion
YW is one of the most common acronyms used in texting and social media posts. It is short for “You’re welcome,” and people use it as a response when someone says “thanks” to them. In some cases, people use yw in a sarcastic manner, mostly when they didn’t get “thanks” when they did something good.