What Does OMW Mean?

Someone messaged you OMW? Here's what they're trying to say

Co-authored by Finn Kobler

Last Updated: January 25, 2023 References

“OMW” is one of the many popular three-letter phrases in the internet’s constantly-growing list of slang. With a surprisingly rich history, an enigmatic tone, and multiple meanings, it can be a hard term to decipher and even harder to respond to. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We’re here to walk you through the many possible nuances of this deceptively-simple abbreviation. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to use and reply to “OMW” with ease!

Section 1 of 5:

“OMW” Meanings

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”OMW” can mean “On My Way.” The most common phrase that “OMW” stands for is “on my way.” People often use “OMW” to quickly convey that they’re headed to a specific location.^{[1]
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- ”OMW” is used so often as an abbreviation for “On My Way!” that Apple has even programmed its devices to autocorrect “OMW” to “On my way!”^{[2]
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"OMW” can mean “Oh My Word.” Some people use “OMW” as a shorthand for “oh my word” which makes for a less controversial alternative to “oh my God.”^{[3]
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Use “OMW” (On My Way)

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Text “OMW” to tell someone you’re en route. Sending someone a quick “OMW” is a simple yet helpful way of letting someone know you’re headed towards them.^{[4]
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- “In the car. OMW.”
- “Just showered, OMW now.”
- “OMW. I should be there around 3.”
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Use “OMW” to hide that you’re running late. 14 minutes away when you should be 4? Use “OMW!” Because “OMW” is vague and doesn’t include an estimated arrival time (or any other info for that matter), it can help cover your tracks when time gets the better of you.^{[5]
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- “OMW. But there’s traffic 🙁”
- “OMW. See you soon! 😄”
- “Save me a seat, I’m OMW!”
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Message “OMW” instead of “On My Way!” for a more neutral tone. While their meaning is the same, “on my way!” has a very different tone than “OMW.” If you’re going to meet someone in a professional context (or you just don’t want to appear too excited), abbreviating “on my way” and replacing the exclamation point with a period is a safe bet.^{[6]
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- To be even more subtle, you can send “omw” in all lowercase.^{[7]
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Type “OMW” as a shorthand when gaming online. Many believe that “OMW” rose to popularity in the early 2000’s in the chatrooms of online games like Runescape and World of Warcraft. When players wanted to call for backup but needed their hands on the keyboard to defend their characters, sending “OMW” to friends saved them time and points. It could do the same for you!^{[8]
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- “OMW to your dungeon now! Hold tight!”
- “OMW! Can you get him to 50 HP for me?”
- “OMW how hard is this boss?”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use “OMW” (Oh My Word)

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Punctuate your surprise with “OMW.” Since “oh my word” is an alternative for “oh my God,” use “OMW” to convey the same shock you would if you were saying “OMG.”^{[9]
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- “OMW you’ll never guess what just happened!”
- “OMW this rain is crazy!”
- “OMW I did not expect Tony and Sandra to get engaged this soon!”
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Use “OMW” to vent your anger. When spelled-out words don’t feel like enough, or they feel too frustrating to type, “OMW,” like “OMG,” is an effective way to show someone you’re exasperated over text.^{[10]
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- “OMW I’m so sick of these rude customers!”
- “OMW! Who does that jerk think he is?!”
- “OMW I can’t even 🤬🙄”
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Convey excitement with “OMW.” Just got a promotion? Your favorite restaurant chain opened up a block from your house? An all-caps “OMW” is a perfect exclamation of joy!
- “OMW! GUESS WHO GOT HER DRIVER’S LICENSE?”
- “OMW I MADE DEBATE FINALS!”
- “OMW! THAT’S WONDERFUL! I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!”

Section 4 of 5:

How to Reply When Someone Texts “OMW” (On My Way)

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Confirm you received their update. If someone texts you “OMW” to let you know they’re in transit towards you, it’s polite to acknowledge you got their message.
- “Got it. Thanks!”
- “Okie dokie. See you soon!”
- “👍”
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Get more info if they’re being vague. If you have a hard deadline or time you need to start and someone only texts you “OMW,” it’s completely reasonable to ask where they are or for their estimated arrival time.^{[11]
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- “Okay. What’s your ETA?”
- “How far out are ya? I need ya here ASAP!”
- “Can you share your location so I know where you’re at?”
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Pry a little if the text feels standoffish. If someone is known for texting colorfully with lots of words and emojis, but merely sends you an “OMW.” message, check in on them. See if there’s been a relationship rift or if you can help.^{[12]
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- “Okay. Everything okay?”
- “Take your time. Also, I’m here if you need to talk.”
- “Got it. We’re good, right?”
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Give context for the game if it’s an online message. If someone is using “OMW” during a video game, give them more information about what they might need to enhance their gameplay.^{[13]
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- “Okay. It’s a water-type so avoid using fire attacks.”
- “Get here soon. We need 5 players to advance to the next level.”
- “Okay. Hide your melee weapons! This arena is weird!”

Section 5 of 5:

How to Reply When Someone Texts “OMW” (Oh My Word)

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Share their surprise. Half the fun of a surprise is the person’s reaction. If someone hits you with unexpected news, don’t hide your shock!^{[14]
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- “NO WAY!”
- “SERIOUSLY????
- “🤯😯”
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Listen to their frustrations. When someone texts “OMW” because they’re angry, the best way to be there for them is to validate their irritations and actively listen to their outrage. They want to be understood and to feel vindicated.^{[15]
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- “Ugh! That’s so annoying!”
- “Seriously? I’m so sorry! I’d be PISSED!”
- “WTF? How dare they!”
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Match their excitement. If the tone of an “OMW” text is positive, share that texter’s glee with them. It’ll likely improve both of your moods.
- “GAAAAAHHHHHH! THAT’S SO EXCITING!”
- “OMW RIGHT BACK AT YA! I’M SO PROUD OF YOU!”
- “WOOHOOOOO! 🎉🎇🎊”