wydm

Wydm is an acronym used in online messaging that stands for "What you doing, man?" It functions as an informal greeting or casual way to initiate a conversation by asking someone about their current activity. The term is typically employed in text chats, social media threads, and gaming channels where informal language is common.

Origin and usage

Wydm originates from broader online slang that shortens common phrases for rapid, casual communication. It is most often written in lowercase as wydm, though punctuation can vary (for example, wydm? or wydm rn). The phrase conveys a friendly, conversational tone and is commonly directed at friends or peers rather than formal acquaintances.

Context and tone

Wydm is appropriate in informal settings and among people who share a comfortable rapport. It can serve as a lightweight opener to propose activities, such as gaming, chatting, or meeting up. Because it includes informal language and a gendered term (“man”), its reception can depend on context and relationship. In more formal or unfamiliar contexts, a more neutral variant like "What are you doing?" or "What are you up to?" would be preferable.

Variations and related terms

Related shorthand includes wyd (“What are you doing?”) and wyd rn (“What are you doing right now?”). Variants may replace “man” with equivalents like “dude” or “bro,” or omit it entirely to be gender-neutral.

Examples

- wydm? want to game later?

- wydm rn, I’ve got a question about the project.

- wydm this weekend, or are you busy?

See also

Internet slang, texting abbreviations, online communication etiquette.