Did your girlfriend just finish a message to you with ‘muah?’ What does it mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘muah’ refers to the sound women make when smacking their lips together to blow a kiss. Think of the sound when exaggerating a kiss, and you get ‘muah.’
Typically, people will use the phrase in written communications like text messages and emails to friends and family.
You can use ‘muah’ as a hello or goodbye greeting, and you’ll make the real noises in verbal exchanges, but some people choose to pronounce the term instead. Typically, it’s a greeting between women, but girls may also use it when thanking others, like their partner.
You can also use ‘muah’ to give someone credit for something, for example, if they bring you some ice cream while you’re lounging on the couch. The term can also describe things you love, like a stylish piece of clothing.
Example Usage
“Thanks so much for taking me out tonight, babe. You know I love you, muah. I can’t wait to see you again tomorrow.”
“Thanks for picking me up from the airport this morning, mom. I really appreciate it. Muah. I didn’t have anyone else to call.”
“It was great seeing you too. Please give my love to the family and everyone back home. I’ll try to get back there in the summer. Muah.”
“Aww, you’re such a sweetie, you don’t have to do all that for me, but I appreciate it. I can’t wait to see you and thank you in person. Muah.”
“We’re all just so happy with everything right now, and we couldn’t ask you for any more. Thanks for everything you do for us, muah.”
“Muah, I’m sending you a kiss across the oceans. I miss you. When do you think you will return from your trip so I can see you again?”
“Thanks for picking me up and dropping me off. I really appreciate it, dad. I’ll call you later when I’m ready to come home. Muah. Love you.”
Origin
The expression ‘muah’ originates from online text messaging and pop culture in the late nineties. Girls and women would use the term ‘muah’ as a way to pronounce the act of blowing kisses to someone. That’s not a new practice, and it’s been around since the early 1900s.
However, the term ‘muah’ developed out of pop culture from influencers like Paris Hilton in the early 200s. It transferred to social media and text messaging by 2008, where women and girls would use it to blow kisses to someone.
While the kissing emoji was added to WhatsApp and Messenger, many people choose to keep using the ‘muah’ expression in their messaging activities.
Phrases Similar to Muah
- N/A.
Phrases Opposite to Muah
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What is the Correct Saying?
- Muah.
- Mwah.
Ways People May Say Muah Incorrectly
Some people spell ‘muah’ and ‘mwah,’ but both terms have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. Using ‘muah’ as an ‘evil laugh’ is incorrect. ‘Muah’ only describes a kissing sound and nothing else. You wouldn’t use ‘muah’ in interactions with random people. Typically, men don’t use ‘muah’ in conversations. It’s an almost exclusively female term.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Muah
You can use the expression ‘muah’ in social interactions between friends and family. For instance, if your sister tells you that she’s going to miss you every day until she returns from her trip, you could say ‘muah’ as a way to say you love her too. ‘Muah’ suits text messaging and verbal exchanges. It’s a great way to show appreciation for others and what they do for you.
The term ‘muah’ suits use with friends and family and your partner. For instance, you could reply with ‘muah’ after your boyfriend texts you and says he’s taking you out to dinner. Or, you could use it to tell your mom that you miss her when signing off a phone call.