Athletes and sports fans are familiar with the meaning of the single letter “W.” They’re much happier to use “W” than “L,” however because W stands for “win” and “L” stands for “loss.”
The abbreviation dates back to a time when all newspapers used to publish sports standings (and perhaps more accurately, when every community had a newspaper). Space in newspaper print is at a premium, so editors simply put “W” and “L” above the columns of win-loss records.
That usage spilled over into the sports themselves, with players and fans alike celebrating a “W,” while their opponents (and opposing fans) quickly tried to put aside a “L” and get ready for the next game.
TikTok users aren’t widely known for making numerous videos about sports, though. So, why does “W” appear so often in TikTok posts?
What “W” Means on TikTok
The social media platform isn’t off-limits to sports fans, of course. You might see TikTok videos using “W” to refer to a big victory for the local pro or college team, or a proud parent discussing their kids’ Little League or volleyball teams scoring a “W.”
Much more often, though, the single letter is used to describe a success on or off the app:
- Post: Big W at work today! I got a promotion!
- Post: Can I hear some noise? I just hit 100,000 followers! Response: W!
“W” is often seen regularly in comments about TikTok content as well.
For example, a content creator might post a video with her brand-new boyfriend; responses of just “W!” would indicate approval, as in “you hit the jackpot with that one!” Another video describing how a user got revenge on a scammy company might receive multiple “W!” comments, meant as congratulations for winning the battle.
The response is often used sarcastically or ironically on the app, too. An embarrassing video showing a user running into a tree, an unsuccessful attempt to knit a sweater, or some other “fail,” might be met with a flood of “W’s” in the comments. Some responders are laughing along with the poster. Others, sadly, might be laughing at them.
Since 70% of people identify as at least casual sports fans, “W” might seem natural to most TikTok users in the right context. It’s one of those language shorthands that have made it into today’s vernacular, though — especially on TikTok and other social apps.
About the Author
Peter Hasselworth is a contributor at iDigic, sharing valuable insights about Instagram growth and social media marketing strategies.