ISO

What Does ISO Mean in a Text?

ISO means "In Search Of," "International Organization For Standardization," and "King Iso." Here is more information about each of these definitions with examples.

In Search Of

ISO is typically used in text messages, online forums or websites (such as Craigslist or Gumtree) with the meaning "In Search Of." It indicates that the poster wishes to buy a specified object or is looking for a relationship with a particular type of person. For example:
  • ISO woman to help with domestic tasks. References essential.
  • Woman, 35, loves bikes. ISO man who knows how to use a track pump.
In this context, ISO has a similar meaning to abbreviations such as LTB ("Looking To Buy") and WTB ("Want To Buy").

International Organization For Standardization

The ISO is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national organizations, which has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded in 1947, and promotes worldwide industrial and commercial standards.

Note: In This context, ISO is not an abbreviation. Because "International Organization for Standardization" would have different acronyms in different languages (e.g., IOS in English, OIN in French (for Organisation Internationale de Normalisation)), the founders decided to use the short form ISO, which is derived from the Greek word "isos," meaning "equal."

King Iso

ISO is also used to refer to American rapper "King Iso," from Omaha, Nebraska.

Video Summarizing ISO

Here is a video summarizing ISO:

Image for ISO

When I write ISO, I mean this:

meaning of ISO

ISO also means "International Organization For Standardization" and "King Iso."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for ISO

ISO means "In Search Of." This is the most common definition for ISO on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter).
ISO
Definition:In Search Of
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 3

3: Guessable

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for ISO

"International Organization for Standardization" is a very common definition for ISO in business circles.
ISO
Definition:International Organization for Standardization
Type:Word (Greek)
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition for ISO

ISO is also used to refer to rapper "King Iso"

ISO
Definition:King ISO (Rapper)
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 3

3: Guessable

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at ISO

When used with the meanings "In Search Of," ISO is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Eye Ess Oh"). Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken as words (e.g., GOAT, NATO).

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said something like "Looking for" or "Want to buy" instead of using ISO with the meaning "In Search Of."

Example of ISO Used in a Text

ISO
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