As Internet slang and “text speak” have grown, many phrases and acronyms have emerged with a variety of meanings to help get your point across faster.
The meanings of some of these terms is not obvious just from looking at them. “SH” is an example of this.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase “SH” is shorthand for “same here”. This is something that you say when you agree with something someone has said, feel the same way as they do about a certain thing, or have done something that they also have done.
This phrase is often considered similar to the phrase “ditto” or the simpler “same”. The acronym is not as widely popular as many others, so it can cause confusion at times. Depending on the way one pronounces the phrase, the person you are talking to may think that you are trying to shush them or quiet them. But the way “SH” is typically pronounced is by saying the individual letters, though this phrase is not commonly said out loud as much as it is used over social media or text. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“Oh, you like Lady Gaga? SH, I have seen her in concert three times.”
“Hey, you went to Warped Tour? SH! I went a few years ago.”
“You got all of your tattoos from the same person? SH.”
“You like playing video games? SH, I play whenever I can.”
“You like to paint? SH, I do it all of the time!”
Origin
A version of the Internet that is similar to what we know now was created in 1983, and the first instances of Internet slang were seen in 1979 on a network called Usenet, where users started creating their own shorthand versions of longer phrases. Many phrases that are commonly used as Internet slang were actually taken from the radio or television.
According to Google Trends, the term “SH” saw a spike in popularity in 2010 and again in early 2022, but overall, has not been as popularly used as many other acronyms that are seen across the Internet. It is common on social media sites like Twitter and Instagram, and is used in text messages shared between friends.
Phrases Similar to SH
- Same
- Me too
- Ditto
- “S2U”, or “same to you”
- I felt that
- Periodt
- Twinning
- Samesies
- “AWA”, or “as well as”
Phrases Opposite to SH
- Nah/no/nope/etc.
- I don’t feel the same.
- Don’t think so.
- No thanks.
- I’ve never done that.
- I don’t know what that is.
What is the Correct Saying?
- “SH” means “same here”.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say SH
“SH” is used to say that you agree with something someone has said, share their sentiments about something, or that you have done something that they have also done. Context is important in distinguishing what the meaning is meant to be. Some ways that “SH” is used incorrectly are:
- You’ve been to Boston? SH! I have never been.
- You like strawberry milk? SH, I hate it.
- You are a fan of Aerosmith? SH, I have never heard their music.
- You like vanilla ice cream? SH! I like chocolate more.
- You like cats? SH, I am more of a dog person.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase SH
- I remember you saying you like 5 Seconds of Summer. SH! I love that band.
- You like Orlando? SH! It is one of my favorite places to visit.
- You like to cook? SH! I do it all of the time!
- I see you just checked into work even though you are early….SH!
- You are a fan of the movie Inception? SH! I love that movie.
- Hey, I love Waffle House! I can see you ordered chicken & waffles, SH dude!
- You like country music? SH, I have been listening to that genre since I was a kid.