KWIM

What Does KWIM Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

KWIM means "Know What I Mean?".

More Observations...

The abbreviation KWIM seeks confirmation that a point has been understood. The phrase "Know What I Mean?" is also often abbreviated as KWAM.

Image for KWIM

When I write KWIM, I mean this:

KWIM seeks confirmation of understanding.

Summary of Key Points

"Know What I Mean?" is, by far, the most common meaning for KWIM when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

KWIM
Definition:	Know What I Mean?
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of KWIM in Sentences

Here are examples of KWIM in conversations:

• Worker One: She's always late for work.
• Worker Two: Not for much longer. KWIM?

• Tim: I'm so tired after my date last night. KWIM?
• Sally: I fear I do, but I'd rather not.

An Academic Look at KWIM

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Kay Dublyoo Eye Em"), KWIM is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words. KWIM typically plays the role of an interrogative sentence (i.e., a question) but, in text-based messaging, it is commonly seen without a question mark. It can be written "KWIM?" or "KWIM". The phrase "Know What I Mean" is often used as a double entendre (i.e., a word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which is risque or indecent). For example:

• A man walked into a bar and asked the waitress for a double entendre. She gave him one.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "If you get my drift" or "Know what I'm saying?" instead of using the abbreviation KWIM.

Example of KWIM Used in a Text

You might also like...