DOM

What Does DOM Mean in Chat?

The Quick Answer

Dom means "dominant" and "Dirty Old Man."

Dominant

Dom is a term often used often used in discussions related to power dynamics, especially within the context of relationships or sexual interactions. The term is commonly associated with BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism) communities, where a "dominant" is the partner who takes on a more controlling or leading role during the interaction. The other partner is often referred to as the "sub" (submissive). For example:

Toni and Sam are such a doms. I can't work with either of them anymore.
Naughty sub seeks dom for corrective classes.

A female dom is sometimes referred to as a domme. For more on dom/sub relationships, see D/s.

Check out our complete list of dating terms.

Dirty Old Man

Dom can also be an acronym for "Dirty Old Man." This is a slang term used to refer to an older man whose behavior is considered inappropriate or lecherous. In this context, Dom is a sexist and ageist term that is often used humorously or critically in casual conversations. For example:

I can't believe that nearly half the American public voted for a dom as president.
At what level of income does a dom become an attractive older guy?

Image for DOM

When I write DOM, I mean this:

The definition of "DOM" depends on the context.

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

"Dominant" is the most common definition for DOM in a text or on a messaging app (particularly a dating site).

DOM
Definition:	Dominant
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults

Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition

"Dirty Old Man" is another definition for DOM.

DOM
Definition:	Dirty Old Man
Type:	Acronym
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults

An Academic Look at DOM

image for academic look, showing a teacher with a mortar board

When used with the meaning "Dirty Old Man," dom can be considered an acronym, because it is formed by taking the initial letters of the term and pronouncing them together as a single word.

When used with the meaning "dominant," dom is a contraction, as it is a shortened version of the actual word. Contractions can be formed in a number of ways, including:

Omitting letters from the word (e.g., pct (percent), obv (obviously)).
Using letters from the start and end of the word (e.g., adds, Dr (Doctor)).
Using an apostrophe to replace a letter or letters (e.g., don't (do not), can't (cannot)).