W8AM

What Does W8AM Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

W8AM means "Wait a minute" or "Wait a moment."

More Detail...

W8AM is used to ask for a pause in a conversation. Of note, the number 8 is used in numerous other terms that use the "eight" sound (e.g., GR8 (Great), M8 (Mate), SK8 (Skate)). Of note, W8AM can also be written WAM (Wait a minite).

Image for W8AM

When I write W8AM, I mean this:

W8AM means wait a minute/moment.

Summary of Key Points

"Wait a Minute" is, by far, the most common meaning for W8AM when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

W8AM
Definition:	Wait a Minute
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of W8AM in Sentences

Here are examples of W8AM in conversations:

• Tina: I'm stuck in traffic. Can you W8AM?
• Carla: Okay, hurry up though.

• Tash: W8AM. There's someone at the door.
• Carly: Okay.

An Academic Look at W8AM

W8AM is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team because some of its characters are used as substitutes for letters. 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. W8AM is typically used as an imperative sentence. For example:

• W8AM. I'll get my coat.
(Here, W8AM is an imperative sentence, i.e., an order.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "give me a minute" instead of W8AM.

Using Numbers in Texts

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

Example of W8AM Used in a Text

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