220

What Does 220 Mean in a Text?

220 means "Second to None." 220 is commonly used in internet chat forums and text speak to mean "Second to None," which is an idiom meaning "The Best" , "Peerless" or "Unequalled."

Whilst typically used with positive connotations, 220 can also be used negatively. For example:

• They are the greatest band of all time. 220!
(Here, 220 is used to emphasise a positive opinion, i.e., they are "The Best.")
• They are the sorriest team in the history of this club. 220!
(Here, 220 is used to emphasise a negative opinion, i.e., they are "The Worst.")

Of note, the phrase "Second to None," is now rarely used in speech or writing, except in advertising.

Image for 220

When I write 220, I mean this:

Second to None, usually means "The Best."

Summary of Key Points

"Second to None" is the most common definition for 220 on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

220
Definition:	Second to None
Type:	Internet Slang Term
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of 220 in Sentences

Here are examples of 220 being used in conversations:

• Tony: He was the best quarterback of his generation.
• Jordan: 220!

• Tony: He is such a dork!
• Jordan: Dead right. 220!

An Academic Look at 220

"Second to None" is an idiom, which is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words.

220 is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). In other words, it is not used as a part of speech within a wider sentence.

220 is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team because some of its characters are used as substitutes for letters. Most "slang terms" were introduced to reduce the number of key strokes required to write words or phrases, but since the arrival of predictive texting and keyboards on mobile devices, this efficiency is no longer required. Nevertheless, "slang terms" are still regularly used to make messages more entertaining or to express individuality

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said something like "Second to None" or "The Best" instead of using 220.

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of 220 Used in a Text

Quiz

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