Did a friend reply with ‘kmt’ after you sent them a funny insult on WhatsApp? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The acronym ‘kmt’ stands for ‘kiss my teeth.’ If you tell someone to ‘kiss your teeth,’ you’re conveying disdain, disgust, disapproval, annoyance, or anger at them. You’ll usually use it when refuting someone’s insult or as a genuine or feigned reaction.
The text acronym ‘kmt’ has the same meaning as the expression. However, you’ll use the abbreviation in text conversations and the full phrase in verbal exchanges. ‘Kiss my teeth’ is a way of telling someone you don’t appreciate what they say or their opinion of you. Using ‘KMT’ in the upper case in texting emphasizes the term.
Example Usage
“Whatever, man, kmt. I don’t care what you all think of me. I’m fine with being on my own. You all can just leave me alone. Thanks.”
“There’s no way thigs would be any different than what they are. I don’t care what you say, kmt. I don’t need your opinion, so keep it to yourself.”
“Oh, so you think that huh? Well, you can kmt. I don’t give a damn what you think of me. I’ll be out here doing my thing, regardless of what anyone says.”
“Just kmt. Your apology means nothing to me. I told you to stay away from him, but you went and slept with him anyway. Do what you want, just don’t make me a part of thins. I’m out.”
“Take your fake apology and kmt. I don’t want anything to do with you or your team. I wish you nothing but the worst in life.”
Origin
The expression ‘kiss my teeth’ has unknown origins. It was used before 2010 as a way to reply to someone’s critique or insult. However, language experts cannot pinpoint when the term first appears in language or who coined the expression.
However, some language experts believe that the text acronym ‘kmt’ appeared in the text lexicon around 2009. While there is no evidence to support these claims, that would make ‘kmt’ one of the newer-generation abbreviations created after the invention of the QWERTY keypad and predictive text.
‘If that’s the case, ‘kmt’ is an example of how text users value the creation of useful text abbreviations, even with the tech available to resolve the need to use these acronyms.
Phrases Similar to kmt
- Eat me.
- Bite me.
Phrases Opposite to kmt
- N/A.
What is the Correct Saying?
- kmt.
- Kiss My Teeth.
Ways People May Say kmt Incorrectly
The acronym ‘kmt’ is suitable for social text communications. You won’t use it in emails and other professional documents. Typically, you’ll use the abbreviation ‘kmt’ when texting and the complete phrase ‘kiss my teeth’ in verbal exchanges. Using the term as a reference for someone to kiss your teeth is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase kmt
You can use the term ‘kmt’ in text message conversations with friends and people you know. You’ll use it when you want to tell someone you don’t approve of what they have to say or a request they ask of you. You can also use ‘kmt’ as a rebuttal to an insult. It’s a less offensive expression than using many other profane language choices meaning the same thing.
Therefore, ‘kmt’ suits use around people like your siblings, friends, relatives, or close colleagues. For instance, your friend at work could poke fun at you for failing to close a deal. You could reply with ‘kiss my teeth’ to show them you don’t approve of their words to you.