DM

What Does DM Mean in a Text?

The abbreviation DM usually means "Direct Message," "Doesn't Matter," or "Don't Mind." In gaming circles, DM means "Dire Maul" or "Deadmines." Here is more information about each of these definitions of DM.

Direct Message

DM is used throughout social media, but particularly on Twitter and Facebook, to request or refer to a private conversation between two people. A DM is sent to a specific person and is not for general viewing. In this context, DM means the same as PM ("Private Message").

Doesn't Matter

DM is also used with the meaning "Doesn't Matter," indicating that something is unimportant. It is a polite way of saying you don't care about an event or outcome.

Don't Mind

DM can also mean "Don't Mind." In this case, DM indicates that the sender doesn't have a strong opinion on a subject.

Deadmines or Dire Maul

In the online game World of Warcraft (WOW), DM is used to refer to the "Deadmines" or "Dire Maul" dungeons.

Note: The use of DM to refer to the Deadmines dungeon is a hotly debated topic in WOW circles. Many players contend that it should be referred to as VC.

Video Summarizing DM

Here's a short video explaining how to use DM:

Image for DM

When I write DM, I mean this:

DM also means "Doesn't Matter," "Don't Mind," and "Deadmines" or "Dire Maul"

Summary of Key Points

"Direct Message" is the most common definition for DM on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

DM
Definition:	Direct Message
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for DM

DM also means "Doesn't Matter."

DM
Definition:	Doesn't Matter
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition for DM

DM also means "Don't Mind."

DM
Definition:	Don't Mind
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Fourth Definition for DM

In gaming DM means "Deadmines" or "Dire Maul."

DM
Definition:	Don't Mind
Type:	Deadmines or Dire Maul
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of DM in Sentences

Here are examples of DM being used in conversations:

Stuart: How do you make a blonde laugh on Saturday? Tell her a joke on Wednesday!
Rachel: Might be better to DM me any more of those. My boss is blonde.

Nick: I'm not sure I will be able to get away tonight.
Lynn: DM. I'll go with Steve.

Neil: I'm sorry, but I'm seeing Lorna.
Laura: DM. I've been seeing Tony for the last six weeks.

An Academic Look at DM

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Dee Em"), DM is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

When used with the meaning "Direct Message" DM is a noun phrase (i.e, a group of words which play the role of a single noun). However, it is also used as an imperative (i.e., an order). For example:

DM me when you get home.
DM Sharon for the details.

Example of DM Used in a Text

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DM