As parents, connecting with our teenagers is crucial. An important part of this connection is understanding their language, especially the slang that is so prevalent in their digital and peer interactions. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and use of the slang term “WTH,” providing you with a better understanding and hopefully a bridge to deeper communication with your teen.
The Slang Meaning of WTH
WTH is an internet slang standing for "What The Hell" or "What The Heck." It depicts surprise, anger, or confusion and is used to express a range of intense emotions.
Exploring Use Cases & Slang Examples
Out of nowhere, your teen’s best friend decides to break their longstanding pact of going to the same college. Your teen might say,
- “WTH, Mike, we had a plan!”
Your teen might get their midterm grade back and it’s lower than they expected:
- “WTH, I studied nonstop for this test.”
Your teen’s friends might propose a risky idea, like going for a night-out against the rules. Your teen might respond,
- “Sure, WTH, let’s do it.”
Discussing WTH Slang Usage with Your Tween
- “Can you share a scenario that emoted strong feelings in you, like surprise or anger?”
- “I often acted impulsively when I was your age, and sometimes, I regretted my actions. How do you stop yourself from acting on impulse?”
- “What do you do when anger or great surprise hits you? How do you channel that energy?”
- “Has any intense emotion like compassion ever made you act in a way you usually wouldn’t?”