Texting and messaging friends is a great way to stay in contact with them, but did you know there's an easy text message option for asking if they are available? Maybe you just want to connect quickly and need a way to ensure the other party is not engaged?
If so, sending a quick wryd is a great way to get your point across in just a few clicks. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
It is an acronym that stands for "What are you doing?" It is a very commonly used phrase that people use to ask what someone else is up to. It is widely used online and in text messages to check in on someone or start a conversation.
The acronym is relatively new and is believed to have originated on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. WRYD is similar to other phrases "WYD" and "WUD," which also stand for “What are you doing” and “What's up," respectively. However, WRYD is more commonly used online and in text messages than these other phrases.
Example Usage
“Wryd, I just got invited to a party! Do you want to come with me?"
“Oh wryd, I found a babysitter for the kids! Let’s go out tonight!”
“Wryd, tonight?”
“I'm bored, wryd?”
“Just chilling, wryd?”
Origin
The term "WYD" has been around for quite some time, but it started to gain popularity when people began using them as a form of torture on their phone screens. The first time its definition was published online was in 2009, and since then, its usage has spread organically through internet memes with different captions such as 'How ya doin'?'
The full version of the phrase has been around for just about as long as language has existed. However, the shorthand version rose to popularity with the advent of text messaging and online messaging in the late 1990s.
Phrases Similar to WRYD
- “WYA," which means "where you at." This term is mainly used in texting on social media.
- “WBU?” which means “What about you?”
- “What's poppin'?” which means what’s up? Or what is happening.
- “What are you up to?” Has similar means as wryd.
- "SUP," which means what's up? It is usually used as an informal greeting.
- “HBU?” which means “How about you?”
- “HYD," which means “How are you doing."
- “What's new?” Which is also a way of asking what’s up?
- “What's going on?” Which is a more commonly used phrase that has a similar meaning to wryd.
Phrases opposite to WRYD
- "TTFN" is an expression used to say an informal “goodbye."
- “CYA," which means "See you," short for “see you later."
- “OWM," which means "on my way."
- "TTYL," which means talk to you later."
- “BRB," which means “be right back."
- "TYL," which means text you later.
- "SWYL," which means "speak with you later."
What is The Correct Saying?
- The correct way to say is “wryd” - “What you doing" or "What are you doing."
Ways People May Incorrectly Say WRYD
- It is recommended to use the acronym "WRYD" when asking what someone is up to, rather than spelling out the whole phrase, "What are you doing?" However, some people may incorrectly interpret the acronym and spell it out as "W-R-Y-D."
- Another incorrect way of using this acronym would be to say “wyd?” without the question mark.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase WRYD
- Hey, I am headed to the movies, wryd?
- I am a little busy with some last minute changes to my project, wryd? Can you come help me?
- This weekend is going to be a blast, I plan to go shopping and hit the beach, wryd? Do you want to come?
- Hey Jane, wryd? There is some juicy gossip that I want to share!
- The dock is closed today, wryd, do you want to check out some other place instead?