Have you ever seen the abbreviation “smth” in a text or online post and wondered what it meant? As digital communication continues to evolve, you may have noticed more and more slang terms and abbreviations emerging in everyday conversations.
In this article, we’ll define the term SMTH, trace its origins in online slang, explain the nuances of how to use it, and equip you with the knowledge to interpret SMTH whenever you encounter it.
SMTH as an Abbreviation
SMTH, short for “something,” is a quick way of writing by using fewer letters or symbols. It takes key letters from the word “something,” but when spoken, it’s still the full word. You can write SMTH in all big or small letters, but small letters are usually handier for longer messages.
An Introduction to the Abbreviation SMTH
SMTH is commonly used as an abbreviated form of “something.” Rather than being an acronym, SMTH serves as a shortened way to type the full word to save keystrokes and seconds in digital communication.
Much like the popular online shorthand terms “SRSLY” (seriously) and “NVM” (never mind), SMTH belongs to the internet slang category of abbreviations used to economize messages in:
- Text messages
- Social media platforms
- Instant messaging
- Emails
- And other forms of casual digital communication
Unlike some online shorthand like “LOL,” SMTH is almost exclusively written in lowercase as “smth”. You may also occasionally see it shortened to “sth.” But regardless of the spelling variation, they all share the same meaning as a faster substitute for typing “something.”
The Origins and History of SMTH
Most etymology resources point to SMTH emerging in the late 1990s to early 2000s. This tracks closely with the rise of online chatting, text messaging, internet forums and other digital mediums that rewarded brevity and concise expressions.
Some of the earliest usages and references to SMTH and its definition are found within internet slang dictionaries like Urban Dictionary. As early as 2004, users of the site documented that SMTH was commonly used as online shorthand for “something.
From there, it proliferated rapidly through the 2000s and 2010s in pace with the global spread of mobile devices, texting culture, social media, and more casual forms of internet writing. SMTH became entrenched as a way to save seconds and keep conversations flowing rapidly across these digital mediums.
By 2021, a study by Lexico found that SMTH ranked among the top 50 online abbreviations used in text messages and online writing. It has become a ubiquitous shorthand in the internet age for the clunkier word “something.”
Key Facts on SMTH’s Origins:
- Emerged in 1990s-2000s with internet slang terms
- Added to Urban Dictionary by 2004 with definition
- Quickly spread through rise of texting culture and social media
- One of the 50 most common online abbreviations by 2021
Examples of SMTH
When talkin’ SMTH, keep it chill. Shortcuts are laid-back and make chat fast and fun.
- Do you want smth to eat?
- Smth is going on. Do you want to talk about it?
- I’m going to the store. Do you want smth?
- SMTH is going on downtown tonight. Wanna check it out?
- Let’s do SMTH later.
- Do you have SMTH for me?
..or SMTH”
In addition to swapping out the word “something,” SMTH is often used as a kind of unsure tag at the end of a sentence, usually following “or.” It’s like saying you’re not entirely sure about what you just said. For example, if someone asks what you’re up to, you might say, “I’m going to watch TV or something.”
Here, you’re not really committed to watching TV; it’s more like you haven’t really thought it through or you’re not too bothered. This happens a lot in casual texting, where messages are quick and not super thought-out. SMTH is often used with other short forms like IDC or “I don’t care.”
It can also suggest that you’re not really familiar with something. If someone asks how far it is from the park to your place, you might say, “Maybe ten minutes or something.” Here, “smth” is paired with “perhaps” to show you’re just taking a guess at the distance.
Proper Usage of SMTH
SMTH belongs to the same category of internet shorthand as terms like “BRB” and “IDK”—it’s intended primarily for casual conversations and informal writing rather than formal correspondence.
When using SMTH in your own communication, keep these usage tips in mind:
- • “I believe there is something wrong with my laptop.”
- • “I’m going to order Chinese food or something along those lines.”
- • “Something tells me you haven’t showered today.”
- • “Did you just awaken or something?”
Here are some examples demonstrating how to work SMTH naturally into sentences:
- Casual: I think there’s smth wrong with my phone or smth. Weird.
- Noncommittal: Let’s meet around 6 or smth, I’ll text you.
- Approximately: It took me like 30 minutes or smth to clean my room.
As with any slang or shorthand terms, be cautious not to overuse SMTH to the extent it hinders clarity. But deployed consciously in moderation, it can be an economical way to capture an informal, imprecise or uncertain tone.
Related Terms To Know
Part of interpreting online shorthand like SMTH is understanding the difference from other common abbreviations. Here are 3 top examples:
SMH – An acronym for “shaking my head.” Used to signal disapproval or exasperation.
SMT – “Social Media Today.” Refers to a digital marketing publication.
SMS – “Short Message Service.” The technical protocol underpinning text messages.
So don’t confuse SMTH for these other digital abbreviations that have very different meanings!
Conclusion
In conclusion, SMTH, derived from the word “something,” has become a prevalent shorthand in digital communication, particularly in text messages, social media platforms, and instant messaging. Originating in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the rise of online slang, SMTH found its way into everyday conversations as a time-saving and informal way to express uncertainty or convey a casual tone.
Its usage has grown over the years, solidifying its place among the top 50 online abbreviations by 2021. When incorporating SMTH into your own messages, it is essential to maintain a balance to ensure clarity and effectiveness while navigating the evolving landscape of digital language and communication.
