What is YMMV?

The Urban Dictionary contends YMMV stands for “your mileage may vary” and is based on the small print included in some automobile ads at the time. These types of ads continued into the 1980s. Since then, the term has gotten a new lease on life on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and communication tools like email and texting. The Cambridge Dictionary contains on those platforms, YMMV has largely morphed into meaning that “you understand people may have a different opinion or experience than you.” In addition to social media, you might also see the term on buyer’s guides and reviews. In this case, the reviewer wants readers to understand their experience with a product or service could differ.

The vacation home suited our needs, but YMMV. YMMV, but we enjoy the show and the actors.

YMMV is similar to another slang term, “AFAIF,” which means “as for as I know.” There are other meanings to the term, including:

You Make Me VomitYour Monkey May VoteYour Method May VaryYam Mild Mosaic Virus (virology)Yikes! My Moneys VagsYoung Men’s Macho VehicleYour Market May Vary (advertisements)Your Managers Mood Varies

Here are some recent examples of the slang being used on Twitter:

$5665 – 970 = $4695 saved thanks to @thepointsguy. Exact same beautiful hotel room at a fraction of the cost. YMMV pic.twitter.com/vl1xzBOg61 — April (@ReignOfApril) July 4, 2021

— Meghan Roberts (@MeghanKRoberts) July 9, 2021

— Anthony Gilmartin (He/Him) (@AnthsGilms) July 11, 2021

Odds and Ends

Terms that relate to the word mileage aren’t surprising. These include “QRH” (“Does my frequency vary?”), HMV (“High Mileage Vehicle”), “SMV” (“Super Mileage Vehicle”), and “MMV,” or “Mileage May Vary.” Other internet terms and slang we’ve covered in recent weeks include MEME, Noob, GR8, and others. Keep checking back with us to learn more about what these memes and other types of slang you pick up on mean. Comment Name * Email *

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