What Does "Wowww" Mean? 5 Definitions & Uses

A guide to using "wowww" and how it compares to a simple "wow"

Co-authored by Finn Kobler

Last Updated: March 15, 2023 References

What does “Wowww” mean?

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Using "Wowww"

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Replying to "Wowww"

If you’re a frequent texter or social media scroller, you may have seen the term "wowww" pop up recently. But, while it seems like another version of “wow,” "wowww" is a new, versatile exclamation and its changing context may have you scratching your head. Don’t worry; in this article, we’ll break down the many definitions of "wowww" and offer the best advice on how to use and reply to this dynamic term like a pro.

Things You Should Know

"Wowww" is most often used to convey surprise. If you’re dumbfounded, text "wowww" to your friends or post it on your social media feed.
The extra w’s in "wowww" help emphasize emotions. Use "wowww" when you feel like “wow” is too small to accurately convey joy, sadness, or rage.
"Wowww" is often used hyperbolically as a form of sarcasm. Respond "wowww" if you think something is suuuper interesting.
Use "wowww" as a more flirtatious form of wow. Some people read the extra w’s as a form of suggestive murmuring or sexy vocal fry.

Section 1 of 3:

What does “Wowww” mean?

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"Wowww" is often an exclamation of surprise. The emotion behind "wowww" can change, but people often use it to highlight their shock when something unexpected happens. The 3 w’s convey how you might actually say wow when they’re shocked. You wouldn’t say a succinct, unenthusiastic "wow." You’d let the word hang: "wowww."
2
"Wowww" can be a sarcastic version of "wow." Hyperbole is a common device people use when they’re trying to be sarcastic.^{[1]
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Research source} The two additional w’s in "wowww" can be used to exaggerate someone’s wow statement beyond reason, conveying a more ironic tone.

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3
"Wowww" can be a declaration of joy. Since text conversations and social media posts don’t have facial expressions, the extra w’s in "wowww "can be used to emphasize someone’s excitement or pleasure more clearly, similar to “OMGGG” and “Yayyy.”^{[2]
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"Wowww" conveys frustration and/or disappointment. Similar to how the two extra w’s in "woww" can punctuate excitement, they can also be used to intensify anger or dismay when a situation takes a turn for the worse. The two extra w’s offer a sense of exaggeration to show that an unfortunate situation shouldn’t have happened, yet it did.
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"Wowww" can be a more flirty version of wow. As strange as it may sound, there’s a large group of people that believe adding extra letters to a text conveys more sexuality. Some believe it’s because letter repetition suggests suggestive murmuring, and others believe it’s because letter repetition looks like a visual representation of vocal fry, which people find attractive. Regardless, much like people use heyyy as a flirty alternative to hey, some use "wowww" as a more suggestive version of "wow."^{[3]
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Section 2 of 3:

Using "Wowww"

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Text "wowww" when something shocks you. Next time you see or hear something truly dumbfounding that makes you say wow, take the phrase a step further and post "wowww" on your Twitter feed, Facebook wall, or text it to a friend.
- “Wowww Dolphins beat the Raiders? I never thought I’d see the day.”
- “Wowww I just saw this skater kid hit the craziest kick flip 🤯”
- “Gary and Susan are getting married after only 2 months together? Wowww”
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Use "wowww" ironically when something is sooo impressive. While "wowww" traditionally is used to convey surprise, adding letter repetition can also have the exact opposite effect. When something completely unsurprising or uninteresting happens, reply sarcastically with "wowww."^{[4]
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- “Wowww you got 2 bags of cheese sticks for the price of one? That’s insaaaane. Your life is wildddd.”
- “Wowww and here I expected the car to sprout wings and fly. Silly me.”
- “Wowww another filibuster? I never expected congress to be unproductive.”
3
Type "wowww" when something exciting or wonderful happens. Got a new job? Found out your sister is getting married? They’re bringing back the McRib? Celebrate the unexpected good news with a "wowww" and as many exclamation points as your heart desires.
- “Just got accepted into Harvard woww!!!”
- “Wowww they’re finally putting a good public transport system in LA! Yayyy!”
- “Looking at this absolutely gorgeous sunset wowww”
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Use "wowww" when life gets you down. Like “oh, come on!” and “oy vey,” you can use "wowww" to express anger, dismay, grief, or any other similar feeling. If you’re mad at someone, you can also use "wowww" to show them you’re upset with them without coming off too aggressively.
- “Wowww they charged me $400 just to tell me my car was fine.”
- “Wowww my heater is broken and it won’t be fixed until March.”
- “Wowww I can’t believe you just dumped me over email.”
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Send a "wowww" to woo your crush. If the person you like sends you a fire selfie or is clearly flirting with you, elongating the last letter of every text you send gives off a sense of flirty playfulness that can elevate your conversation to the next level.^{[5]
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- “Wowww someone’s got a way with words 🥰”
- “I saw you at soccer practice today and wowww 😍😍😍”
- “Wowww someone’s been busy working out”

Section 3 of 3:

Replying to "Wowww"

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Give your honest reply to shocking news. If someone texts you something completely unexpected, offer your most sincere, unfiltered reaction to the surprise. Some people have big expressions. Some people get quiet. Do what feels truest for you.
- “YOU’RE JOKING! THEY SERIOUSLY WON’T LET US RESCHEDULE OUR PITCH MEETING?”
- “OMG! Gary and Susan engaged? We better be invited to the wedding!!!”
- “There’s no way he just insulted you like that…I…”
2
Quip back if "wowww" was used sarcastically. The best way to respond to a sardonic person is to fight back with some irony of your own. If someone sent you a sarcastic "wowww" to poke fun at you, reply as quickly as you can with a pithy or equally playful response in return.^{[6]
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- “Ha. Ha. 🙄”
- “Ah, here you are offering greeeeat support as usual.”
- “You’re soooo funny. Look at how hard I’m laughing: 😐”
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Empathize with the person’s frustrations. If someone close to you uses "wowww" to tell you they’ve received some particularly bad news, affirm their feelings of anger or disappointment, ask questions, and offer emotional support in any way you can.^{[7]
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- “Aw, break-ups suck. Wanna come over later and talk about it?”
- “I’m so sorry! The repair company is totally overcharging you!”
- “Noooo that fight with your mom sounds so frustrating! I totally understand where you’re coming from.”
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Explain yourself if the angry "wowww" was directed at you. If someone directed a frustrated "wowww" at you for a mistake you made, calmly explain your behavior and apologize if you feel it’s necessary.
- “I’m sorry. I should’ve given you this bad news at a better time..”
- “You’re right. My apologies for yelling at you. I had a really bad day at work and I took my agitation out on you.”
- “I wish I could take back what I said. I shouldn’t have insulted you like that..”
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Share someone’s joy if "wowww" was used excitedly. Delight is even more delightful when it’s shared with someone else. If someone has shared good news with you, hype them up and offer your most heartfelt congratulations. You can even thank them if the news directly affects you!
- “JUST HEARD ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE! THAT’S SO EXCITING! I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU! 🥳 🥳 🥳”
- “YOU GOT US CONCERT TICKETS FOR HALLOWEEN? TYSM 😭💖🎆YOU’RE MY FAVORITE PERSON IN THE WORLD! I OWE YOU BIG TIME!”
- “DAWWWWW! What beautiful engagement photos! You two make a perfect couple. 🙂”
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Steer the conversation into platonic territory if you’re not interested. If someone sends you a flirty "wowww" but you only see them as a friend, politely and subtly change the subject or, if necessary, tell them you’re not interested.^{[8]
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- “You’re such a sweet friend for saying that. Anyway, how was your day?”
- “Ahahaha. Yeah, I put in a lot of work at the gym. On a different note…”
- “Hey. I really appreciate your kind words, but I just want to make sure you don't get the wrong idea. I really value our friendship.”