What Does SS Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Just spotted an “SS” in your texts or on your feed? This acronym has a lot of potential meanings, so it can be tricky to decode this vague abbreviation sometimes. We've got your back, though. Keep reading for an in-depth look at what “SS” most likely means in your texts and social media posts, and what else it could stand for in more specific circumstances. In just a few moments, you’ll be an expert!

Section 1 of 4:

What does SS stand for on Snapchat?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pretty much any phone, tablet, or computer can capture a still image, or screenshot, of the screen. This feature is widely used on sites like Snapchat, where screenshotting happens pretty frequently. So, if you see “SS” in a text or social media setting, it’s pretty safe to assume that it stands for “screenshot.” [1]
    • “SS this gif to see what TV show you should watch”
    • “SS this and send it your friends”
    • “Please don’t SS this”
    • SS can be spelled with all capital letters or with all lowercase letters (ss).
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Haven’t chatted with someone in a while? They might send over an “SS” to try and strike up a conversation.
    • “Long time no see! SS?”
    • “It’s been so long! We really gotta ss”
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

What does SS mean over text?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Snapchat is probably the most likely place where you’ll see SS used regularly, but it’s also fair game on over text and other social media apps. [2]
    • You: “You’ll never guess what he said to me lol”
      Them: “OMG send me a ss!!”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Screenshot” is definitely the most popular definition of SS, but it’s not the only one. In certain contexts, SS can mean “speak soon” when sent over text.
    • “Haven’t heard from you in a long time. We should ss!”
    Gretchen McCulloch, Internet Linguist

    On the internet, acronyms like "SS" abbreviate complex phrases, streamlining communication. On Snapchat, "SS" usually means "screenshot," capturing a digital interaction. Like other online shorthand, it's born from the need for quick, brief online chat. With just two letters, it conveys requests, warnings, or acknowledgements, showing how language evolves in our interconnected world.

    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Use SS

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Want your followers to screenshot something from your Snapchat or Instagram story? Need your friend to send you all the juicy details from a text convo with their co-worker? SS is a great way to get the message across clearly and quickly. [3]
    • “SS my Story for a fun surprise”
    • “Please send me a SS of that lmao”
    • Snapchat notifies you when someone screenshots your chats, so you can also use SS to comment on how someone took a picture of your chat.
      • “I’m so confused. Lucy just took a SS of our chat??”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Reconnecting with an old friend or acquaintance is always tricky, but a quick SS is a simple way to get the conversation going on any chat platform.
    • “Miss you so much! We should ss”
    • “Are you free this weekend? We need to ss”
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Alternate Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    One of SS’s most infamous namesakes, the Schutzstaffel, was a group of Nazi German soldiers that served under Adolf Hitler and his regime. Throughout Hitler’s reign and WWII, the SS was responsible for countless atrocities, including the Nazi concentration camps. [4] If you’re chatting with someone about world history, there’s a chance that SS could refer to this military group.
    • “Just started a new historical documentary about the SS, and I’m honestly horrified”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    SS is often seen in the acronym “SSN,” which stands for Social Security Number. [5]
    • Person 1: “I think I lost my SS card 💀”
      Person 2: “That’s not good…”
    • “They asked me for my SSN so I hung up on them LOL”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In British English, “SS” is commonly paired with ship names that aren’t a part of any naval fleet. [6] If you’re talking about an upcoming cruise or boat trip with someone, SS could be used in the name of the boat.
    • SS Agamemnon
    • SS Archimedes
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some churches with multiple saints in their name use SS to abbreviate their official title. [7] If someone brings up the church they go to, SS could be used in that context.
    • “I go to the church of SS Luke and Matthew.”
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/77\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’ve ever gotten a document notarized before, you might have noticed a cursive “S.S.” on the paper. It literally translates to “namely” or “in particular,” and is found next to the venue element on the document, like the county. Typically, “S.S.” means that the notary needs to be more specific about a certain part of the form. [8]
    • If you saw “S.S. (town/city)” marked next to a “county of ___” form on a document, the notary might need to include the county as well as the town and city name.
    • In some cases, SS is just there for show, and the notary doesn’t actually have to do anything.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-SS-Mean-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Striking up a conversation with a baseball fan? They might use abbreviations like “SS,” which just refers to the shortstop position on a baseball team (the player who stands in between second and third base). [9]
    • “How do you feel about the SS for the Giants?”
    • “Think the Yankees will trade for a new SS?”
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      What Does "Hear Me Out" Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What Does "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      How to
      Use a Dictionary
      What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ss
      2. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ss
      3. ↑ https://www.distractify.com/p/what-does-su-mean-snapchat-story
      4. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/SS
      5. ↑ https://www.abbreviations.com/SSN
      6. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steamship
      7. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ss
      8. ↑ https://www.asnnotary.org/?form=scilicetwhatdoesitmean
      9. ↑ https://www.mlb.com/glossary/positions/shortstop

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 102,308 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement