In this digital era, people, especially teens, use slang terms in their online chatting to get rid of typing long sentences, or also to give others a modern feel. You might come across the WYLL slang in your kids’ chats and find no clues to the WYLL meaning. So, keep reading this blog as we’ll discuss the meaning and uses of WYLL in detail, along with examples.
What does WYLL mean in slang?
WYLL is a short form that stands for “What You Look Like.” It’s the way of asking unknown people about their appearance. This phrase conveys that you are actually hoping to get a picture or descriptions of others in response.
Mostly, the teens & young adults use this slang term in texting or on social media, especially when talking to new people online. This is because instead of typing long sentences to get to know about the people, you’ll just write WYLL.
That’s why you’ll mostly notice people using this slang, especially on dating apps and in gaming chats, where fun and speed both count.
Where does WYLL come from？
Talking about the origin of ‘wyll’, it is especially when Gen Z people invented shortcuts that the term (just four letters to know about strangers online) also emerged at that time.
Until the early 2020s, as social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as dating apps, became popular, the use of this term also spread rapidly. For your information, the meaning of the word “wyll” may vary from playful and flirty to simply a curious question, depending on the context.
From Slang to Alerts: Know what your teen says online with parental controls.
How to use WYLL in text and social media?
People basically use WYLL only in informal or casual conversations with friends or just strangers online. We’ll discuss this term in detail, along with examples, on how you can utilize it in texting or on social media.
In text messages
Regarding the meaning of the WYLL acronym, this chat section is essentially a private one-on-one conversation. Since you already know the person, you may comfortably text WYLL to ask about looks right now.
Examples:
- “You said you got a haircut, WYLL ?”
- “It’s been months since we caught up, WYLL, these days?”
- “Just about to leave for the party – WYLL in your outfit?”
On Snapchat
Snapchat is a renowned application that you mostly use to share snaps (pictures or short videos) with your friends. And on Snapchat’s chat section, the Wyll slang looks friendly or playful when asking to send you the snaps.
Examples:
- During lunch period, it’s super boring. Just give me a snap, WYLL?”
- “That sunset looks marvelous. WYLL with the view?”
- “Haven’t seen your face in so many days, WYLL in a snap?”
On Instagram
In comparison to Snapchat, Instagram is a slightly more public platform where you share posts, and people can comment on them, which others can also see. However, it still has a private DM section, which gives you the privacy to use slang words like Wyll after liking someone’s photos.
Examples:
- “Those photos from your trip look amazing, WYLL rn?”
- “I just followed you from the group chat – hey, WYLL?”
- “Love the reel WYLL behind the scenes?”
On TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform that supports video sharing, comments, and DMs. Thus, here people use ‘WYLL’ more lightly, often as a teasing way to respond to a funny video.
Examples:
- You know your voice is very soothing, so WYLL? 😂
- What a funny skit! WYLL if you perform that skit.
- You have shared a video of your smile, which has sparked curiosity about the whole of WYLL.
How to reply to WYLL?
Are you getting confused about how to reply to someone texting WYLL? Actually, it depends on various scenarios, such as whether the person texting you is a friend or a stranger. Or also, it’s totally your own choice whether to share about yourself or not. I’d like to share some examples with you to help you better understand.
If you’re comfortable sharing
You can say:
- Well! “I’m just wearing a hoodie and some jeans at this moment.”
- “Look at my haircut! It looks awesome, right?”
- Well! Don’t laugh as “I’m not having any makeup today,😄now send me yours.
If you don’t want to
Just refuse:
- Well! I’m not sharing pics!
- “I don’t share pictures online, but nice to chat!
Scenario 1: Replying to a friend:
- Well! Only if you send yours first 😜.
- Sure, but I don’t look good, as I haven’t combed my hair due to today’s hectic routine.
Scenario 2: Replying to a stranger online (Be careful):
- Don’t mind, but how would I send my pictures to those I don’t know? So, go somewhere else.
- No, I like to stay private online and block them altogether.
Variations and similar slang terms to WYLL
‘Wyll’ isn’t the only shortcut excised to ask about someone. Here is a list of slang terms similar to WYLL, along with their meanings or full forms, for parents who want to know more, in the table below.
| Teen slang terms | Stands for | Meaning |
| WYD? | What You Doing? | A simple, casual way to greet and ask what you’re doing at that moment |
| PIC? | Picture? | A quick request for a photo, usually a selfie |
| HMC | Hit Me Up | Means “contact me” or “message me later“ |
| SUP? | What’s Up? | A casual greeting to start a conversation |
| TS | Talk soon | A more polite way to end any chatting or promising to talk later |
| WYA | Where You At | Ask about your location |
| WTW | What’s the Word | Checking what’s going on or what the plan is |
| LMK | Let Me Know | A way to request others to keep you informed about the situation |
| IDC | I Don’t Care | A way of getting out of any situation by showing your attitude |
| IDK | I Don’t Know | A way of getting out of any situation by claiming ignorance |
| SNAP? | Send a Snap? | Requesting a Snapchat photo or video |
| PFP? | Profile Picture? | Requesting your selfie photo |
Is WYLL meaning harmful or innocent? A parental perspective
We can’t directly tag WYLL slang as good or bad, because it depends on the context and the relationship between the people involved.
For instance, if your kids are talking with their friend online, then using WYLL is just a casual or informal way to stay connected. However, the risks arise when your kids receive a message having WYLL slang from strangers or an unknown person.
That’s why you must guide your kids to always say no to sharing private photos online with people they don’t know, or just because they feel uncomfortable.
Potential risks associated with photo-related requests
Let’s understand the risks associated with photo-related requests online, so you may get alerted and take timely action.
Exposure to inappropriate content or interactions
Groomers and predators online usually start friendly chats and request private photos and more info. As your kids start trusting them, they would emotionally blackmail them to send their own more personal, explicit images.
To confirm whether your kids are facing the same, then notice the changes in their behavior. Like whether they have become more possessive about their phones, or when you come across them, they instantly hide their chats. If all such happens, then it’s time to take action before it’s too late.
Privacy breaches and identity concerns
Furthermore, do remember! Even if kids share their simple, innocent selfie with a stranger. They are still at a bigger risk. That’s because in this selfie, there might be information related to school, such as the house number in the background.
So, guide kids like they wouldn’t at any cost, share their pics personally with strangers. The second thing is that if they post a selfie online, they confirm beforehand whether there is anything that could reveal their personal information.
Pressure to conform to certain appearances
With so many edited or filtered photos online, young teens may be affected by certain beauty standards and feel unconfident. Also, this thing puts stress on their minds and they try to look like others.
If you observe that your kids are spending too much time editing posts or feel hesitant about taking pictures with others, it may be a sign that they are spending too much time on social media. Then it’s a warning sign that your kids are under pressure regarding their appearance. It’s time to go to your kids and reassure them that their value and happiness aren’t tied to their looks.
How to talk to your kids about slang for safety?
There is a possibility that you are not a socially active person and thus are unaware of new slang. However, if you want your kids to remain safe online, then you have to remain updated about such slang. According to a Preply survey, more than 60% of parents said they make an effort to understand modern slang to better communicate with their teens. It’s one of the best ways to establish a closer, friendly bond with your kids. Thus, they may even make you aware of such shorthand.
- Change your parental attitude: However, if you want your kids to share everything with you, then you have to change your own parental attitude. For instance, you have to give time to your kids to share their feelings and experiences.
- Listen actively: At this point, you just need to listen to children with patience but not judgment. Make them aware that slang terms mostly cause risky conversations. Also, you can share real-life examples of when strangers would request photos, and then it’s okay to say no or block them.
- Then teach about online safety and slang risks: You can remind them of such things at the dining table or during short walks, so that kids wouldn’t take it as a one-time lecture and pay attention to it.
How parental controls can protect kids online:
Utilizing parental control tools will be a great help in ensuring your peace of mind regarding your kids’ digital safety from interactions with strangers. You couldn’t keep a close eye on your kids’ every chat and movement.
If you want to have 24/7 safeguarding for kids’ online activities with real-time alerts, parental control apps like FlashGet Kids would be a great choice. This app offers advanced monitoring features at an affordable price and operates silently in the background. Also, it’s easy to use and offers a free trial for testing.
Key features include:
- Screen time limits: You can restrict excessive device use by setting time limits for your kids.、
- App tracking and browser monitoring: For specific apps or websites, there are also App Blocker and Browser Monitoring tools, which can help keep your kids less exposed to viral trends or social media addiction.
- Live screen mirroring: Also, you can check your kid’s phone use when needed. Thus, see live sitting at one place, like what apps kids are chatting on or what kind of slang they are using.
Wrapping up
From all the above discussions about the meaning and uses, we have concluded that the use of WYLL slang is only appropriate or innocent when the person is your friend. Otherwise, if a stranger asks you to send pictures, then stay cautious, as they may later pressure or emotionally coerce you into sending more personal images.
Thus, parental involvement is crucial here, as it enables you to better guide your kids about their digital boundaries. Hence, ensuring that your kids remain secure while online.
