Plenty of abbreviations and acronyms commonly used on TikTok are harmless or innocuous.
Most who grew up in the era of social media(and texting, for that matter) are familiar with the meanings of BRB, LOL, and DM. Some terms are more TikTok-specific, like FYP (For You page). Others are taken directly from modern slang, including cheugy (something that’s not cool), delulu (delusional), and CEO (being the best at something).
It seems, though, that the majority of slang words, abbreviations, and phrases that appear regularly on the app are NSFW (not safe for work) — or worse. One term that’s been seen widely across TikTok for the last few years, 304, fits into that category.
What Does 304 Mean on TikTok?
Most readers will remember typing (or watching someone else type) the number 80085 on a handheld, analog calculator. It looks more or less like the word “BOOBS,” which is awfully funny to most kids in 3rd or 4th grade.
“304” is somewhat analogous.
There’s no indication who first made the realization that the number 304, typed into an analog calculator that’s turned upside down, sort of looks like “hoe.” It’s not clear when that momentous discovery was made, either, or when “304” made its first appearance on a social media platform.
What is known is that the term debuted as entries in the Online Slang Dictionary in 2000 and the Urban Dictionary in 2003, meaning it had been in use for quite a while before then. That’s not surprising, since calculators and mischievous kids were a match made in heaven throughout the last few decades of the 20th century.
“304” was first used both as a derogatory term aimed at women and as slang to mean a female SW (sex worker); the latter use still exists on TikTok, with an online community called “304tok” being used as a safe place for sex workers to discuss their profession.
In recent years, however, it’s been used more often to label a woman as promiscuous or even “skanky” (although some do use it with friends in a more playful way). The use of “304” as an insult in TikTok videos and on other apps skyrocketed in the 2020s, coinciding with the growing number of “Alpha male” videos caricaturing women as “hoes and sluts.”
When coming across a “304” reference in TikTok content, it’s best to take a step back before making assumptions. Since it may be a misogynistic slam, a teasing exchange between friends, or a reference to legitimate sex workers — be sure you understand the context in which it’s being used before jumping into what could wind up being an embarrassing conversation.
About the Author
Peter Hasselworth is a contributor at iDigic, sharing valuable insights about Instagram growth and social media marketing strategies.