STM

What Does STM Mean in a Text?

STM means "Smiling To Myself," "Short-Term Memory" and "Stepper Motor."

The abbreviation STM is most commonly used in online chat and text messaging with the meaning "Smiling To Myself." However, it also has several other meanings that may be encountered online, including "Short Term Memory" and "Stepper Motor." Below we take a look at each definition of STM in a little more detail.

Smiling To Myself

The most common definition of STM in text messaging and online chat is "Smiling To Myself." In this context, STM is an indication of amusement. It is typically used sarcastically to imply that the sender found something funny, but not very funny. In this respect, STM is similar to abbreviations such as LOI (Laughing On The Inside) and SALTS (Smiled a Little Then Stopped).

Short-Term Memory

STM also means "Short Term Memory." In this context, STM is information that a person has very recently acquired and is currently thinking about or is aware of. STM is widely believed to be restricted to a very limited number of items and to last for less than a minute.

Stepper Motor

In photography, STM is widely used to refer to a Canon lens with "Stepper Motor" technology. According to Canon, STM lenses have a quieter and smoother focus system that allows for near-silent focusing during video recording.

Image for STM

When I write STM, I mean this:

meaning of STM

STM also means "Short-Term Memory" and "Stepper Motor."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for STM

"Smiling To Myself" is the most common definition for STM on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
STM
Definition:Smiling To Myself
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for STM

"Short-Term Memory" is another common definition for STM.
STM
Definition:Short Term Memory
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults

Third Definition for STM

"Stepper Motor" is a common definition for STM in photography.
STM
Definition:Stepper Motor
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 5

5: Extremely difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Specialists

Examples of STM in Sentences

Here are examples of STM being used in conversations:
  • Cody: I was addicted to the Hokey Cokey. Luckily, I turned myself around.
  • Jill: STM. But, not much.
  • (Here, STM means "Smiling To Myself.")
  • Clive: My STM is terrible.
  • June: How terrible is it?
  • Clive: How terrible is what?
  • (Here, STM means "Short-Term Memory.")

An Academic Look at STM

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Ess Tee Emm"), STM is classified as an initialism abbreviation. However, STM is not often spoken using its letters. It is usually employed for efficiency in writing and not for efficiency in speech.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "I'm laughing inside" instead of using STM with the meaning "Smiling To Myself."

Example of STM Used in a Text

STM
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