M9

What Does M9 Mean in a Text?

M9 means "best mate," i.e. one better than M8 ("mate"). The technique of portraying "better than" by adding a number is becoming increasingly common. Other examples include:

• G3G (I really must go).
(G3G is more than G2G (Got to Go).)
• H9 (To really hate).
(H9 is more than H8 (To hate).)
• <4 (Strong love).
(<4 is more than <3 (icon for love).)
• <2 (Not love yet).
(<2 is less than <3.)

Image for M9

When I write M9, I mean this:

M8 is a mate. M9 is a best mate.

Summary of Key Points

"Best Mate (i.e., one better than a M8)" is the most common definition for M9 on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

M9
Definition:	Best Mate (one better than a M8)
Type:	Internet Slang Term
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

50 Ways to Say "Best Friend"

Here's a short video giving 50 ways to tell someone they're your best friend:

Examples of M9 in Sentences

Here are examples of M9 being used in conversations:

• Charlie: I've taken your washing out the tumble dryer and folded it.
• Jordan: Thanks M8!
• Charlie: I'm your M9 not your M8.
• Jordan: You are now, M9.

• Charlie: I've got bit of a headache so I'm staying in tonight.
• Jordan: M9s don't lie to each other!
• Charlie: Yeah, you're right. I've arranged to meet that girl from last night.

An Academic Look at M9

M9 is classified as an "internet slang term" by our team. It is not an abbreviation. Most "slang terms" were introduced to reduce the number of key strokes required to write the word, 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. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "bezzer" or "bestie" instead of M9.

Using Numbers in Texts

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

Example of M9 Used in a Text

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations. Show Instructions