Are you puzzled when someone sends you a message with “WTV” in it? WTV is short for “Whatever.”
“WTV,” “Wtv,” or “wtv” are same.
Both “Whatever” and its abbreviation “WTV” are used to express indifference or no feelings toward certain situations, things, and people. However, it can also be used to express more nuanced feelings, depending on the context.
Here we’ll explain WTV’s origin, its common four different meanings, and how to use it.
WTV Origin
In its full form, whatever is a rather old word. Its first documented uses date back to the Middle Ages. As such, it was used among all socioeconomic groups. In the modern age, “whatever” continued to be widely used, both in casual and more formal settings.
It is one of those words that can be used as slang but also as part of a standard speech.
When texting (like Whatsapp) and social media platforms (like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) became widely popular, “whatever” was one of the words that was quickly adopted for online communication.
However, since most of these platforms had character limits, whatever, as well as many other words, got abbreviated. Instead of writing “whatever,” people started to write it as “wtv,” saving both time and valuable character spaces.
How to Use WTV
WTV can be used in texts and online chats to show that you don’t care, everything is okay, refer to something uncertain, or tell someone off.
1. Express You Don’t care
Using WTV in a conversation can convey a sense of indifference or dismissal regarding the topic at hand. It suggests that the speaker does not have a strong opinion or interest in the subject.
For example:
Person A: “Hey, have you heard about the new policy changes at work? What do you think we should do about it?”
Person B: “WTV, I don’t really care. It’s not like we have any say in it anyway.”
In the dialogue, Person B responds with “WTV,” indicating that they are uninterested in the policy changes and feel that their opinion or actions wouldn’t make a difference. The use of “WTV” here serves as a shorthand to dismiss the topic and move on from the conversation.
2. Everything Is OK
You can also use WTV to express a sense of flexibility and openness to various possibilities without the need to specify or decide on one particular thing at the moment of the conversation.
Therefore, WTV helps facilitate easygoing communication and decision-making for the other.
Take a look at these examples:
Example 1:
- Friend: “Hey, when do you want to go shopping? Is today or tomorrow better for you?”
- You: “Oh, it’s wtv! I can go anytime! Just text me when you can go!”
Example 2:
- Friend: “What do you want for dinner tonight? Pizza or sushi?”
- You: “I’m not really sure. WTV is easier for you to get is fine with me.”
Example 3:
- Hairstylist: “So, what are we going to do, cut it short or make some layers?”
- You: “Honestly, wtv you think we should do. I am so bored of my current hairstyle, any change is welcome.”
3. Refer to Something Uncertain
WTV can also be used to refer to something that is uncertain or unspecified in casual conversation. It suggests the speaker is not too concerned about the specific details and is willing to adapt to different situations.
For example:
- A: “Are you going to the team building event? They haven’t said what activities they’ve planned.”
- B: “Yep, I’ll be there. I’m up for WTV they throw at us, could be a nice break from the routine!”
4. Tell Someone Off
If someone is annoying you, but you don’t want to be too confrontational, you can use WTV to end an argument or show that you’re uninterested in continuing a disagreeable conversation.
It is important to note that using WTV in this way can come off as rude or disrespectful, so it should be used with caution and consideration of the relationship and context.
Example 1:
- Friend: “You never take my advice seriously. I’m just trying to help you out.”
- You: “WTV, I can handle my own problems.”
Example 2:
- Friend: “I think you’re making a mistake by not coming to the family reunion.”
- You: “WTV, I have other plans, and I’m sticking to them.”
Example 3:
- Friend: “You always overreact to the smallest things. It’s not that big of a deal!”
- You: “WTV, if you can’t understand why I’m upset, I’m not going to waste my time explaining it to you.”
Other Meanings
Apart from meaning “whatever,” WTV can also mean several other things.
- What’s the verdict – A way to ask someone if they have made a decision or about their opinion on something
- What’s the vibe – This phrase is used to check the mood and energy of something or someone
- Watch the video – When you send someone a link to a video, and you want them to watch it
- Willing to volunteer – Showing an interest in doing something (not necessarily volunteering)
- Web television – TV-like conten that you can find online
Alternatives and Variations
WTV has many variations and alternatives, given that you use it instead of “whatever.” It seems that people have come up with many different ways to show their indifference and apathy. Here are some options:
- WTVR – another abbreviation of “whatever”
- Whatev/Whateva – an incorrect form of “whatever”
- WYL – whatever you like
- IDC – short for “I don’t care”
- MEH – slang term used to express apathy
- W/E – another abbreviated form of “whatever”
- WYW – whatever you want
- WFM – works for me
Conclusion
WTV is the abbreviation of “whatever,” and it is often used to express indifference. However, it can also express openness to different options or be a dismissive way to tell someone off.
WTV is largely popular among the younger generations. However, it is also popular among older generations as well. After all, the full form of this word has been used since the Middle Ages.
Of course, just like many other slang terms and abbreviations, WTV can also mean some other things. You can learn these alternative meanings in order to avoid potential misunderstandings.
