What Does WDYLL Mean? Snapchat, TikTok, and More

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Decode this popular acronym and learn how to respond to it

Co-authored by Mason Martinez, BA Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: April 22, 2024 Fact Checked

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Meaning of “Wdyll”

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Using “Wdyll”

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Replying to “Wdyll”

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Related Texting Terms

Whenever you see a new, unfamiliar string of letters, it's hard to differentiate a new texting term from a typo. If you've come across the abbreviation "WDYLL" on TikTok, Snapchat, or other social media or dating platforms, it usually stands for "What Do You Look Like?" In this guide, we'll explain everything there is to know about this trendy term and how to respond to it below.

Defining Wdyll in Texting and Social Media

"WDYLL" is shorthand for "What Do You Look Like" and originated from the early days of social media. Use it to ask someone about their appearance if they don't have any images of themselves online. Individuals can describe their hair, eye color, and other physical attributes with as many or as few details as they feel comfortable.

Section 1 of 4:

What does "WDYLL" mean on social media?

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"WDYLL" is an acronym for "What Do You Look Like." Before Instagram and Snapchat, users didn't regularly post pictures of themselves online. Often, they hid behind an avatar version of themselves, which is how "wydll" emerged as a way to ask someone about their appearance. However, it's still used on imaged-focused platforms to gauge someone's visual appeal.^{[1]
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- You may see "wdyll" appear on popular dating apps or websites, like Tinder, Bumble, or even WhatsApp.
- Alternatively, a less common use for WDYLL is "What Do You Like/Love." This helps users learn more in-depth information about someone's interests or hobbies.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Use "WDYLL"

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Use "WDYLL" when you're curious about someone's appearance. Have you ever met someone online, struck up a really good conversation, and couldn't help but wonder what the person looked like? Once you two have built a good rapport, send a quick "Wdyll?" message to ask if they'd be willing to describe their appearance.^{[3]
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- It's important to remember that not everyone will be comfortable detailing their appearance to someone they've just met on the internet, and that's okay.
- It's best to ask after you've sent each other a few messages so you're both comfortable with one another.
- "I really enjoy talking to you, and I was wondering…wdyll?"
- "Omg, you're SO sweet. Wdyll?? I'm dying to know!"

Section 3 of 4:

How to Reply to "WDYLL"

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Describe yourself in as little or as much detail as you'd like. If you've met someone online—platonically or romantically—respond to a "Wdyll" message with as much or as little detail as you feel comfortable giving. You could say how tall you are, what color your eyes are, and how long or short your hair is.
- For example, you could say, "I have shoulder-length blonde hair, brown eyes, and freckles. I love wearing bright-colored clothes, and I just got my third ear piercing today."
- If you're flirting with someone online, instead of saying, "I have long hair and a round figure," spice up the language and say, "I have long, dark, silky hair and a slim but curvy figure."
- If you don't want to give too much information and want to redirect the conversation, you could say, "I'm 5'4 with short spikey hair, kind of like Ortega from Star Trek! Did you catch last week's episode of Strange New Worlds?"

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Related Texting Terms

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1
ASL ASL stands for “Age, Sex, Location.” It was a popular term from the text-based website Omegle that allows users to anonymously socialize with others in private chat rooms. It was a way for people to know the people they spoke to were of similar ages before conversing. However, it wasn't uncommon for users to lie.^{[4]
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- "What's your asl?"
  “23/M/LA. You?"
- Another meaning of ASL that's not a slang term is "American Sign Language."
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Wyd Wyd is shorthand for "What you doing?" and is used in texting and social media to ask what someone is up to.^{[5]
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Research source} It can be used to check in on someone or see if they're not doing anything so you can make plans.
- "Wyd later?"
  "Not much. You?"
  "I was thinking about going to the movies. Wanna pull up?"
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Qt Qt is an abbreviated way of telling someone they're a "cutie." This can be used to flirt with someone online.^{[6]
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- "You're such a qt! I can't wait to see you again."