A Complete List of Tone Indicators: Meanings, Examples & How to Use Them

Download Article
What do tone indicators like /j, /srs, and /s mean?
Download Article

Maybe you’re reading through a Twitter post or texting a friend when you see a tag at the end of the message, like /pos , /lh , or /nm . Best known as tone indicators , these tags are popping up more and more frequently in the digital world—but what exactly do they mean? We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn everything there is to know about tone indicators, including a full list of the most common tone tags out there.

Things You Should Know

  • The /j stands for joking , /s stands for sarcastic , and /gen stands for genuine .
  • The /pos tone indicator stands for positive connotation , /lh stands for light-hearted , and /nm stands for not mad .
  • Add tone indicators to any social media posts or texts that could be misinterpreted by the recipient or reader.
  • Respect other people’s decisions to use tone indicators, and only use 1-2 tags at a time if you’re adding them to your own posts.
Section 1 of 4:

What are tone indicators?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    They’re written with a backslash (/) followed by an acronym or shortened version of a word (like /nm for not mad or /j for joking). Many people use them online to provide a little bit of extra clarity to their posts and replies. [1]
    • Although tone indicators are fairly new, the concept of tone tags definitely isn’t. In the late 1500s, British printer Henry Denham tried using the percontation symbol (⸮) to show whether a question was open-ended, or whether it could be answered with one word. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    Body language plays a really big role in how we interpret what other people are saying, which makes online communication a bit difficult to navigate at times. Tone indicators provide an obvious, concrete way to understand someone else’s tone in the digital world, whether it’s over text or on social media.
    • Tone indicators are especially helpful for members of the neurodivergent community, who appreciate the extra context that tone tags offer.
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Common Tone Indicators

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    People use this tone indicator to show that their text/post is a joke and not meant to be taken seriously. The /hj tag is another common tone indicator used in situations where someone is partially serious as well as partially joking. [3]
    • “Dude you look like you haven’t slept in a week /j”
    • “That’s it. I’m logging out of Twitter for the rest of my life. /j”
    • “Take that White Sox hat off right now!!!! /hj”
    • You can also use /ij to reference an inside joke with a friend.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    People add the /g or /gen tag to show they’re being completely sincere and genuine (rather than sarcastic or joking). [4] Some people use more specific tags like /genq or gens when they’re offering a sincere question or suggestion, respectively. [5]
    • Person A: “It annoys me so much when people use a ton of exclamation points”
      Person B: “Why do you feel that way? /genq”
    • “I love your Led Zeppelin shirt! /g”
    • Person A: “I wish it wasn’t so hard to wake up in the morning.”
      Person B: “Have you tried setting multiple alarms? /gens”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    The /s tag shows that a post or message is completely sarcastic and shouldn’t be treated like a genuine statement. Some people might use /sar or /sarc instead of /s , often to avoid the tag being misinterpreted as meaning “serious”. [6]
    • “You always meet the nicest people on Twitter /s”
    • “Ah, yes… I completely understand what you’re trying to say now /sar”
    • “Did you know that typing in caps makes your sentence louder? /sarc”
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    The /lh tag is typically added to posts and comments that are meant to be playful and light-hearted (but could be interpreted in an offensive way). [7]
    • Person A: “I pour the milk into my cereal bowl first”
      Person B: “We aren’t friends anymore /lh”
    • Person A: “What if dogs only lick us because they know we have bones inside?”
      Person B: “What is wrong with you?? /lh”
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    People use the /srs tone indicator to show that they’re completely serious about something (rather than sarcastic or joking). On the flip side, people use /nsrs for posts that aren’t meant to be serious but also aren’t meant to be jokes. [8]
    • “I’ve never seen a single Star Wars movie in my life /srs”
    • “I can’t deal with my sister anymore lmao /nsrs”
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    The /nm tag often gets added to posts/messages that seem aggressive or angry on the surface. A person might add /nm after a message sent in all caps (or that could otherwise be viewed in an annoyed or angry light). [9]
    • “NOOO I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THIS!! /nm”
    • “Please don’t DM me on Twitter if we aren’t mutuals /nm”
    • “What was the point of sending that reply? /nm”
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    People use the /rt or /rh tag when posting a rhetorical question or statement that they don’t want an answer/reply to. [10]
    • “Why do people feel to hop onto all of these nasty Twitter trends? /rh”
    • “When will people in the YouTube comments learn how to be decent human beings? /rh”
    • “Why is my mom like this? /rt”
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    The /pos tag lets people know that the original post should be viewed in a positive and friendly light, rather than a neutral or negative one. It’s often used with messages that could be taken in a negative way. [11]
    • “I’m crying real tears rn /pos”
    • “I can’t believe you’re doing this to me!!! /pos”
    • “I’ve never felt this way before /pos”
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    Similar to the /pos tag, the /neg lets readers/users know that a message is meant to be viewed in a negative light (rather than positive or neutral one). [12]
    • “I have no idea what to do /neg”
    • “Why would you say that?? /neg”
    • “Apparently it’s supposed to thunder tonight? /neg”
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-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>"}
    People add the /neu tag to posts that aren’t meant to be taken in either a positive or negative way. [13]
    • “When did you hear about this? /neu”
    • “I had no idea that he was both a singer and an actor /neu”
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-13.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 people add the /c tag when they’re reposting a copypasta. The /c lets people know that the poster isn’t the original author (and that the post shouldn’t be taken seriously). [14]
    • “I like to creep around my home and act like a goblin. I don’t know why but I just enjoy doing this. Maybe it’s my way of dealing with stress or something but I just do it about once every week. /c”
    • “don’t care + didn’t ask + cry about it + who asked + stay mad + get real + L /c”
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-14.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>"}
    The p tag adds a platonic touch to messages and comments that could potentially be taken in a romantic context, like commenting on someone’s cute selfie.
    • “I love you so much!! /p”
    • “You look AMAZING in that dress! /p”
    • “Thank you so much dude… I could marry you rn /p”
    • Some people might use the “not flirting” or /nfl to convey the same meaning. [15]
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-15.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>"}
    The opposite of the /p tag, /r is used to add romantic context to a message or post. [16] People will likely use it when talking with (or about) their partners and significant others.
    • “Blowing you a kiss!! /r”
    • “Sending you many smooches /r”
  14. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-16.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>"}
    The /ly or /l tag lets readers know that their post is made of song lyrics rather than their original thoughts. [17]
    • “I don’t wanna die, I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all /ly”
    • “Well, is it hard understanding, I’m incomplete? /lyr”
    • “And will I ever know what it’s like to be fine without pretending /l”
  15. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-17.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>"}
    The /nav tag lets other people know the original post or message isn’t meant to be a vent (a post where someone is “venting” their feelings). The /av tag, on the other hand, indicates that the post or message is a vent. [18]
    • “LOL I went to Starbucks today and the barista spelled my name wrong /nav”
    • “My mom is backseat driving on the roadtrip. Some things never change lol /nav”
    • “I wish more places offered dahlia piercings. Why is so hard to schedule an appointment?? /av”
  16. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-18.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>"}
    People add the /t tag to messages, posts, and replies when they’re trying to seem light-hearted and playful. [19] It carries a similar energy to the /lh (light-hearted) tag.
    • “You would know a lot about that, wouldn’t you… /t”
    • “I thought you said you were giving up chocolate for the rest of the month! /t”
    • “Wow, some Giants fan you are… /t”
  17. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-19.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>"}
    The /npa tag lets people know that the original message or post isn’t meant in a passive-aggressive way. It’s especially helpful for ambiguous posts that could potentially be interpreted the wrong way. [20]
    • “If that’s what you want to do, that’s fine. /npa”
    • “Sorry! I was just kidding /npa”
    18. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How do I use tone indicators?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-20.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-20.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>"}
    Tone indicators are a a helpful way to make your digital conversations unambiguous, as well as prevent any unwanted miscommunication. Let’s say that you’re replying to a Twitter thread with a pretty sarcastic response, or you’re posting a joke that could potentially get lost in translation—adding a tone indicator of your choice to the end of your message can help make your intentions as clear as possible.
    • “I’ve never heard that one before! /sar”
    • “TIL that door hinge rhymes with orange /j”
Section 4 of 4:

Best Practices for Tone Indicators

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-21.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-21.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>"}
    Not everyone is a fan of tone indicators, but many people find them to be an invaluable way to navigate online spaces (especially members of the neurodivergent community). Even if you choose not use tone indicators yourself, be courteous of other people’s decisions to use them in online conversations.
    • If someone asks you to use tone tags in your future conversations/interactions, feel free to do so! Tone indicators can make a really big difference in a person’s online experience.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-22.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-22.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>"}
    Tone tags may not be your cup of tea—and that’s totally okay! What isn’t okay is using tone tags as a joke, or to make fun of someone who relies on tone indicators in their digital communication. Everyone has the right to feel safe and understood online, regardless of whether or not they use tone tags.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Tone-Indicators-List-Step-23.jpg\/v4-728px-Tone-Indicators-List-Step-23.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>"}
    Using a series of tone tags can seem patronizing, so it’s best to keep things simple. Choose 1 or 2 tone indicators that best capture the energy of what you’re trying to say rather than sticking 3 or 4 tags at the end of your message. [21]
    • What not to do: “OMG you look gorgeous!! /gen /p /nfl”
    • What to do: “OMG you look gorgeous!! /p”
    4. 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
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Short & Long Ways to Respond to “How Have You Been?”
      6 Ways to Respond to "What Are You Up To?"
      How to Respond to a Guy’s Picture: 33 Helpful Messages
      How to React When Someone Blocks You
      What Does the Term “Snow Bunny” Mean?
      Professional Ways to Say "Please Let Me Know if You Need Anything"
      32+ Vivid Adjectives That Describe a Person’s Voice
      How to Continue a Conversation with a Girl
      What to Say When Someone’s Mom Dies
      Different Ways to Thank Someone for Contacting You
      13 Telltale Signs Someone Doesn't Respect You
      What Does X Mean when Texting? From Warm Wishes to Playful Kisses
      How to
      Manifest Someone to Text You
      What Does LOML Mean? Texting, Social Media, Usage & More
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.kpcc.org/show/airtalk/2021-01-14/tone-indicators-the-answer-to-prevent-misinterpreted-messages-online
      2. ↑ https://www.worldwidewords.org/weirdwords/ww-per3.htm
      3. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      4. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      5. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      6. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      7. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      8. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      9. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      1. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      2. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      3. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      4. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#tones
      5. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      6. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      7. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      8. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      9. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      10. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      11. ↑ https://tonetaglist.carrd.co/
      12. ↑ https://textindicators.carrd.co/#questions

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12,377 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement