If you’ve opened Snapchat lately or scrolled through TikTok drama and saw someone type “wtms??” under a messy situation, you’ve probably paused and thought… what in the world? Don’t worry, you’re not behind; WTMS’s meaning is one of those slang terms that has not one, but TWO completely different definitions depending on the app and the vibe. Let’s break it all the way down so you never have to Google it again.
The Two Main WTMS Meanings (Yes, It’s Confusing on Purpose)
Here’s the tea: WTMS can mean two totally separate things in 2025.
- What The Mess – the family-friendly version of “WTF.” Teens and people who don’t like cursing use this when something shocking, chaotic, or straight-up ridiculous just happened.
- What They Mad Sabin – the Ticktock/SAVE version that translates to “What are the haters even complaining about?” It’s basically calling out people who are pressed for no reason.
Both are super popular right now, but the one you see depends on the platform.
Which WTMS Meaning Is More Common in 2025?
- On Snapchat and in message group chats → 90% of the time it’s “What The Mess”. Younger teens love it because teachers and parents don’t instantly recognise it as a swear replacement.
- On Ticktock, Instagram comments, and Twitter/X/x → it’s almost always “What They Mad Saying”, especially when someone is clapping back at haters.
Where Did WTMS Even Come From?
The “What The Mess” version started as a clean alternative to stronger language, kind of like how people say “fudge” instead of the other word. It blew up on Snapchat private stories around 2023–2024 when kids wanted to react dramatically without getting in trouble.
The “What They Mad Saying” version comes straight from Black Twitter and SAVE circles. It’s been around in spoken form forever (“What they mad for?”), But Ticktock turned it into an acronym in late 2023. Once drama creators started using it in “story time” videos and comment sections, it spread like wildfire.
Check out this quick YouTube breakdown that shows both meanings with real clips from 2025: WTMS Explained – TikTok vs Snapchat Meaning (2025 Update)
Real Examples of WTMS People Actually Use Right Now
“What The Mess” examples:
- Snapchat story of someone falling in the hallway: “wtms bro are you okay 😭😭”
- Group chat after a wild rumour: “She really told the teacher that?? wtms??”
- Instagram story reply: “You skipped the test… wtms?!”
“What They Mad Saying” examples:
- Ticktock comment on a dancing video with hate: “She’s literally serving wtms y’all pressed for what”
- X reply during drama: “He dropped receipts and now they quiet… wtms 🤨”
- Caption on a fire outfit post: “Haters in my comments wtms I look good”
WTMS vs Similar Slang – Don’t Get Them Mixed Up
Here’s a quick comparison so you never use the wrong one:
| Slang | Meaning | Best Used When… | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTMS | What The Mess OR What They Mad Saying | Shock or calling out haters | Confused / Petty |
| WTM | What’s The Move? | Planning hangouts | Chill plans |
| WTF | What The F*** | When “mess” isn’t strong enough | Actual anger |
| IJBOL | I Just Burst Out Laughing | Something is hilariously messy | Laughing |
| LMS | Like My Status | Old-school Facebook energy | 2012 vibes |
Common Ways People Type WTMS in 2025
You’ll rarely see it typed perfectly. Real people write:
- wtms
- WTMS??
- wtmss
- wtms 😭
- wtms fr
The extra question marks and crying emojis are basically mandatory.

Where You’ll See WTMS the Most Right Now
- Snapchat private stories and quick add replies (What The Mess central)
- Ticktock comment sections during beef or when someone claps back
- Instagram closes friends’ stories when the group is being messy
- Group chats, the second any drama pops off
- Twitter/X/X quote tweets dragging someone quietly
Can You Use WTMS Sarcastically?
Absolutely. Both versions work with sarcasm:
- “Oh you failed the test again… wtms 🙄” (What The Mess, sarcastic)
- “They said my fit is mid… wtms I’m literally wearing designer” (What They Mad Saying, shady)
Final Thoughts: You Officially Know WTMS Now
There you have it — wtms’s meaning completely decoded for 2025. Whether someone is reacting to pure chaos on Snapchat or shutting down haters on TikTok, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about.
Next time you see WTMs pop up, you won’t have to Google. Just pick the right meaning based on the app and the energy, and reply like you’ve been hip this whole time.
Now go forth and use it correctly — and if this finally cleared it up for you, drop a “wtms??” in the comments so I know you really get it 😏
Quick FAQ About WTMS
What does WTMS mean in texting? It’s usually “What The Mess” — a softer way to say something wild just happened.
What does WTMS mean on Snapchat? 99 % of the time = “What The Mess.” Teens use it to avoid trouble.
What does WTMS mean on TikTok? Almost always “What They Mad Saying” — calling out haters who are mad for no reason.
Is WTMS the same as WTM? Nope! WTM means “What’s The Move?” — totally different.
Can I use both meanings? Yes, pay attention to the app and the context so you don’t look lost.
