What Does 3 Mean in a Text?
![image of the number 3](pics/number-3.png)
The number 3 is used in text chat as part of various emoticons and as a substitute for the letter E. On its own,it doesn't have any widely accepted significance.
Number 3 in Emoticons
The number 3 is used in a number of emoticons (graphical representations of emotion) to form a heart or a face. For example:- :3 = A coy smile.
- </3 = A broken heart.
- <3 = I love you, or love.
- <333 = Lots of love.
- <3U = Love you.
- >3 = Evil, but happy, or hate.
- I<3U = I love you.
- K3U = I love you.
- X3 = A cute face.
For a complete list of emoticons, check out our icons and emoticons page. Don't miss our interactive list of every emoji!
Number 3 in Words
In text-based messaging and online communications, 3 is widely used as a substitute for the letter E. For example: When used this way, 3 is often referred to as "leetspeak," the name given to an alternative alphabet that emerged in the early days of the internet.Image for 3
When I write 3, I mean this:
![meaning of 3](../x-images/3.png)
The number 3 is used as part of various emoticons and as a substitute for the letter E.
Summary of Key Points for the First Definition
The number 3 is widely used as part of an emoticon on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.3 | |
---|---|
Definition: | Emoticon |
Type: | Emoticon |
Guessability: | ![]() 2: Quite easy to guess |
Typical Users: | ![]() Adults and Teenagers |
Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition
The number 3 is also used as a substitute for the letter E.3 | |
---|---|
Definition: | The letter E |
Type: | Numeronym |
Guessability: | ![]() 2: Quite easy to guess |
Typical Users: | ![]() Adults and Teenagers |
An Academic Look at 3
![image for an academic look at the number 3](pics/academic-look.png)
The number 3 is often used as part of an emoticon. Emoticons are a way to show emotion in text-based communication. They consist of a small group of symbols arranged to show emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and others, using the letters, numbers, and symbols usually found on a standard keyboard in a typographic approximation of the desired illustration.
Using Numbers in Texts
This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":Example of 3 Used in a Text
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