4

What Does 4 Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

When used in a text, 4 means "for."

More Observations...

The number "four" and the preposition "for" are homonyms (i.e., words that sound the same with different meanings). There are two types of homonyms: homophones and homographs. As "four" and "for" are spelled differently, they are homophones (same sound) rather than homographs (same spelling). Here are some other examples:

• The words "bear" (the mammal) and "bear" (to endure) are homophones and homographs.
• The words "to" and "too" (often written as 2 in texting) are homophones but not homographs.
• The words "lead" (the metal) and "lead" (dog rope) are homographs but not homophones.

Interestingly, in Spanish texting slang, the letter X is used to represent "for," which is "por" in Spanish. It works because the Spanish for "times" (i.e., multiplied by) is also "por."

Image for 4

When I write 4, I mean this:

"4" is used for brevity.

Summary of Key Points

"For" is, by far, the most common meaning for 4 when it is used in a text.

4
Definition:	For
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of 4 in Sentences

Here are examples of 4 in conversations:

• Hey, do you want 2 go 4 a pizza tonight?
• I'm meeting John at the cafe at 3. Will you join us 4 coffee?

An Academic Look at 4

When used in a text, the word "for" is nearly always a preposition. It is a highly versatile word with lots of meanings.

• It shows a duration:
• I'll be away for two weeks.
• Can you hold your breath for a minute?

• It means "to the benefit of":
• Please stand in for me.
• Jack went to the shop for me.

• It shows purpose:
• The grant was for building external relationships.
• I bought a trap for the mice.
(In this example, "for" shows "purpose" not "for the benefit of.")

• It shows an aim or end goal:
• Swim for your life.
• They set sail for America.

• It shows equals in an exchange:
• They fought blow for blow.
• 10 dollars for a coke!

• It means "on account of" (rare):
• I cannot sleep for all that noise!

Outside of texting, "for" us sometimes used as a conjunction, meaning "because." (It gives a sense of the old-fashioned.)

• "Go not to the Elves for counsel for they will answer both no and yes." (Frodo from "Lord of the Rings")

Using Numbers in Texts

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

Example of 4 Used in a Text

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