WYLL Meaning: What It Means & How to Respond

PDF download Download Article
Decode your latest Snapchat message with this handy guide
PDF download Download Article

Texting or DMing someone you don’t know well can feel like a minefield—especially when they start throwing out messages like “WYLL.” What exactly does this cryptic DM mean, though, and how are you supposed to respond to it? We’ve covered everything you need to know, including how to respond (and whether or not you should just leave the person on read).

Things You Should Know

  • WYLL stands for “What You Look Like.” It’s often used to request a photo from a stranger or acquaintance, or to playfully poke fun at someone.
  • Use WYLL if you’ve recently started chatting with someone online and want to know what they look like. You can also use WYLL to tease a friend.
  • Use your best judgment when replying to a WYLL message. Feel free to send a pic if you’d like, or set clear boundaries if you’re feeling uncomfortable.
Section 1 of 4:

What does WYLL mean on Snapchat?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Wyll-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>"}
    WYLL is a common abbreviation sent over DM, used as shorthand for the question “What do you look like?” People typically send this message to people they don’t know well (like a stranger or acquaintance), in hopes that they’ll get a selfie or picture of the person in response. [1]
    • Since this question is pretty personal, you’re more likely to see WYLL in your DMs rather than in a comment or reply.
    • WYLL means the same thing across all digital platforms, like TikTok, Roblox, texting, and more.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Use WYLL

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Wyll-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>"}
    Maybe you made a new friend on Snapchat, or you’ve been hitting it off with someone you met on TikTok. If you’re really curious to know what they look like IRL, shoot a quick WYLL and see if they send you a picture. [2] Don’t be too disappointed if they refuse to send anything back, though—some people might not be super comfy sending pics to people they don’t know super well.
    • “WYLL? I’ve only ever seen pics of your cat in your Snap Story lmao”
    • “Tbh I’m so curious wyll”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Wyll-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>"}
    Use “WYLL” at the start of your sentence to make fun of how someone is acting/reacting to something. Start off the message with “WYLL…” and then follow up with your silly quip, along with a picture or gif of how you’re imagining them at that moment. [3]
    • “WYLL trying to submit that essay before midnight” [gif of Kermit the frog typing furiously]
    • “WYLL in the Twitter replies rn” [gif of kittens fighting]
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Respond to WYLL

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Wyll-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>"}
    Think about how you feel about the person you’re chatting with. Do you feel comfortable enough sharing something like a selfie with them? If you’ve been sharing some fun vibes with this person (and they haven’t triggered your “creeper” radar), it could be worth sending a quick selfie over. It’s completely fair to set boundaries as well, and let them know that you won’t send them any pics.
    • Them: “WYLL?”
      You: [picture of yourself]
    • Them: “wyll”
      You: “Lol I don’t think we’re quite there yet”
    • You can always use a Bitmoji sticker on Snapchat if you aren’t quite ready to send an actual picture of yourself. [4]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Wyll-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>"}
    If you’re chatting with a perfect stranger, a sudden “WYLL” message can be pretty jarring, especially if it’s sent to you right off the bat. Remember—there’s absolutely no obligation to respond to anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable, and no one is automatically entitled to any pictures of you.
    • Pro tip: Your safety and well-being always come first, especially when you’re online. If someone ever makes you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to block and report their account. If you’re texting someone who makes you feel weird, block their number .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/What-Does-Wyll-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Wyll-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>"}
    Let your friend know what you think about the comparison they’ve just made—if all else fails, a quick “LOL” or “hahaha” can do the trick. If you’d like, feel free to throw out an Uno reverse card by sending your own “WYLL” message back at them, making fun of them in an equally goofy way.
    • Them: “WYLL waiting for Matt to text you back” [gif of a person sweating]
      You: “STOP I feel so called out rn 😭”
    • Them: “WYLL waiting for the Jags to make it to the Super Bowl” [picture of a skeleton]
      You: “WYLL expecting the Ravens to have a good season” [gif of person putting on clown makeup]
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

More Slang Acronyms to Know

PDF download Download Article
  1. Stay on top of new texting slang with these common acronyms. Learn these popular slang terms to stay in the know and keep your texts looking like English instead of gibberish:
    • ISK : A typo for IDK (“I don’t know”) or “I should know”
    • IDM : “I don’t mind”
    • MCM : “Man crush Monday”
    • WCW : “Woman crush Wednesday”
    • MBN : “Must be nice”
    • FFF : “Follow for follow”
    • PMO : “Put me on” (introduce to someone or something)
    • OOMF : “One of my followers” or “one of my friends”
    • OMW ’’: “On my way”

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 "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does "BBL" Mean? Definition & Uses on Social Media and More
      What Does "Hear Me Out" Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does “I Love You 3000” Mean and What Do You Say Back?
      How to
      Use a Dictionary
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/wyll
      2. ↑ https://slangsearch.org/social-media/wyll/
      3. ↑ https://www.thesun.ie/tech/9358700/what-does-wyll-mean-on-tiktok-and-snapchat/
      4. ↑ https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/world-news/what-nr-sfs-jw-bmt-25485118

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 29,949 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Honey V.

        Jul 20, 2023

        "My friend sent me this and I didn't know what it meant, so I came here and it told me what it was :D."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement