What Does HML Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More

Co-authored by Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: March 11, 2022

If one of your friends has sent a message that reads “HML,” you might be wondering what that means. Well, you’ve come to the right place: there are actually two popular meanings for HML! We’ll define each and help you figure out exactly what they meant, how to respond, and how you can use HML in the future, too.

Section 1 of 5:

“HML” Meaning on Snapchat

“HML” most often means "hate my life." People use HML to express unhappiness about something in their life that is upsetting them. It’s usually applied to everyday inconveniences rather than true tragedies.^{[1]
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Research source} For example:
- “My car broke down today, HML!”
- “HML, I just found out I have an extra shift at work this week. 😖”

Section 2 of 5:

“HML” Meaning in Texting

“HML” also means "hate my life" in texts. Friends might send you an "HML" text as a way to let you know they're having a bad day. It's another way of expressing exaggerated frustration and general discontent.
- "They're out of ice cream sandwiches. HML."
- "HML. Got called on in class and I hadn't been paying attention at all 😭"

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use “HML”

1
Vent your frustration to a friend. If you’re going through a rough time, it’s natural to want a sympathetic ear! HML can emphasize your emotions when you message a friend about your situation and prompt your friend to respond compassionately.
- “HML, today was the WORST. Can we talk?”
- “Mom said I couldn’t go to the party this weekend. HML! 😭”
- “Totally HML today; everything kept going wrong. I need to vent!”
2
Use it as a hashtag on Twitter and Instagram. HML can be used as cheeky hyperbole if you tack it onto the end of a tweet or social media post. It lets people know that you’re annoyed, but nothing is gravely wrong.^{[2]
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Research source}
- “Well, the concert got canceled today. #HML”
- “Dinner with the whole family is SO uncomfortable. #HML 😑”

Section 4 of 5:

How to Respond to “HML”

1
Text or call to offer your sympathy. If a friend feels the need to message a message with HML over Snapchat, text, or any other platform, they’re probably looking for a reaction. Offer to lend an ear—or shoulder—if they need it and talk over the problem with them.
- “Hey, I saw your tweet. That’s really a bummer! Wanna talk about it?”
- “Sounds like you had a pretty bad day. I’m always here if you want to talk!”
2
Ignore it if the situation isn’t a big deal. Because HML is often used as hyperbole, the problem doesn’t always need to be discussed extensively. If your friend messages directly, you can reply with a simple 😢 (sad emoji), but otherwise, you don’t necessarily need to respond.

Section 5 of 5:

Other Meanings of “HML”

1
“HML” can also mean “hit my line” on the same platforms. This is the other popular use of the HML abbreviation. “Hit my line” essentially asks a person to contact you or move a conversation from text to phone. It can also be used in a flirty context when asking someone to privately message you.^{[3]
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- “Did you hear what happened at school yesterday? HML!”
- “This story is a little long for text. HML!”
- “Hey, cutie! HML 😉”
2
Use “hit my line” to encourage a friend to contact you. Whether you’re bored or haven’t heard from one of your friends in a bit, you can strike up a conversation by asking them to “HML” or just let them know that you’ll be waiting to hear from them.^{[4]
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Research source}
- “So bored! Someone HML.”
- “Hey, it’s been a while—we should catch up. HML anytime! 😊”