WYLL Meaning: What It Means & How to Respond

Download Article

Decode your latest Snapchat message with this handy guide

Co-authored by Laura Bilotta and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 5, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Overview

|

How to Use

|

How to Respond

|

More Slang Acronyms

Texting or DMing someone you don’t know well can feel like a minefield—especially when they start throwing out messages like “WYLL.” What exactly does this cryptic DM mean, though, and how are you supposed to respond to it? We’ve covered everything you need to know, including how to respond (and whether or not you should just leave the person on read).

Things You Should Know

WYLL stands for “What You Look Like.” It’s often used to request a photo from a stranger or acquaintance, or to playfully poke fun at someone.
Use WYLL if you’ve recently started chatting with someone online and want to know what they look like. You can also use WYLL to tease a friend.
Use your best judgment when replying to a WYLL message. Feel free to send a pic if you’d like, or set clear boundaries if you’re feeling uncomfortable.

Section 1 of 4:

What does WYLL mean on Snapchat?

Download Article

WYLL means “What You Look Like.” WYLL is a common abbreviation sent over DM, used as shorthand for the question “What do you look like?” People typically send this message to people they don’t know well (like a stranger or acquaintance), in hopes that they’ll get a selfie or picture of the person in response.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Since this question is pretty personal, you’re more likely to see WYLL in your DMs rather than in a comment or reply.
- WYLL means the same thing across all digital platforms, like TikTok, Roblox, texting, and more.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Use WYLL

Download Article

1
Ask a new online friend or acquaintance what they look like. Maybe you made a new friend on Snapchat, or you’ve been hitting it off with someone you met on TikTok. If you’re really curious to know what they look like IRL, shoot a quick WYLL and see if they send you a picture.^{[2]
X
Research source} Don’t be too disappointed if they refuse to send anything back, though—some people might not be super comfy sending pics to people they don’t know super well.
- “WYLL? I’ve only ever seen pics of your cat in your Snap Story lmao”
- “Tbh I’m so curious wyll”
2
Poke fun at someone with “WYLL” and an accompanying picture or GIF. Use “WYLL” at the start of your sentence to make fun of how someone is acting/reacting to something. Start off the message with “WYLL…” and then follow up with your silly quip, along with a picture or gif of how you’re imagining them at that moment.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- “WYLL trying to submit that essay before midnight” [gif of Kermit the frog typing furiously]
- “WYLL in the Twitter replies rn” [gif of kittens fighting]

Section 3 of 4:

How to Respond to WYLL

Download Article

1
Share information about yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. Think about how you feel about the person you’re chatting with. Do you feel comfortable enough sharing something like a selfie with them? If you’ve been sharing some fun vibes with this person (and they haven’t triggered your “creeper” radar), it could be worth sending a quick selfie over. It’s completely fair to set boundaries as well, and let them know that you won’t send them any pics.
- Them: “WYLL?”
  You: [picture of yourself]
- Them: “wyll”
  You: “Lol I don’t think we’re quite there yet”
- You can always use a Bitmoji sticker on Snapchat if you aren’t quite ready to send an actual picture of yourself.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
2
Choose not to respond if you feel uncomfortable. If you’re chatting with a perfect stranger, a sudden “WYLL” message can be pretty jarring, especially if it’s sent to you right off the bat. Remember—there’s absolutely no obligation to respond to anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable, and no one is automatically entitled to any pictures of you.
- Pro tip: Your safety and well-being always come first, especially when you’re online. If someone ever makes you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to block and report their account. If you’re texting someone who makes you feel weird, block their number.
3
Send a playful response back if someone teases you. Let your friend know what you think about the comparison they’ve just made—if all else fails, a quick “LOL” or “hahaha” can do the trick. If you’d like, feel free to throw out an Uno reverse card by sending your own “WYLL” message back at them, making fun of them in an equally goofy way.
- Them: “WYLL waiting for Matt to text you back” [gif of a person sweating]
  You: “STOP I feel so called out rn 😭”
- Them: “WYLL waiting for the Jags to make it to the Super Bowl” [picture of a skeleton]
  You: “WYLL expecting the Ravens to have a good season” [gif of person putting on clown makeup]

Section 4 of 4:

More Slang Acronyms to Know

Download Article

Stay on top of new texting slang with these common acronyms. Learn these popular slang terms to stay in the know and keep your texts looking like English instead of gibberish:
- ISK: A typo for IDK (“I don’t know”) or “I should know”
- IDM: “I don’t mind”
- MCM: “Man crush Monday”
- WCW: “Woman crush Wednesday”
- MBN: “Must be nice”
- FFF: “Follow for follow”
- PMO: “Put me on” (introduce to someone or something)
- OOMF: “One of my followers” or “one of my friends”
- OMW’’: “On my way”