If you’ve been scrolling TikTok, Instagram, Discord, or even Twitter recently, you may have seen phrases like “he’s mewing” or “stop mewing in your selfies.” Confused? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Many social media users, texters, and gamers are unsure about what mewing slang means, why it’s suddenly everywhere, and how people are actually using it in chats and memes.
Updated for 2026, this guide is designed to be the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand resource on mewing slang. By the end, you’ll know the meaning, history, cultural context, real-life examples, and even related internet slang that often shows up alongside mewing.
Whether you’re a beginner trying to decode texts, a meme lover keeping up with Gen Z humor, or a social media user curious about trends, this article has got you covered.
What Does “Mewing” Mean in Slang?
In internet slang, mewing refers to a combination of two concepts:
- The literal orthodontic practice of pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to potentially improve jawline and facial structure.
- The meme-ified, cultural slang version, which pokes fun at people obsessing over jawlines, silent stares, and “sigma male” aesthetics.
Simple Definition
Mewing (slang):
An online term used to describe someone focusing on their jawline, facial posture, or appearance, often in a serious, ironic, or exaggerated way.
It’s important to note that most of the time, online mewing is joking, ironic, or a subtle roast, rather than actual advice about facial posture.
Origins of Mewing
Mewing comes from Dr. Mike Mew, a British orthodontist who promotes a technique called orthotropics. This method involves maintaining correct tongue posture to potentially influence facial structure over time.
- Medical Origin: Orthotropics and jaw exercises
- Online Shift: Became meme culture around 2020–2022
- Current Use: Predominantly internet slang about jawline aesthetics
| Timeline | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 2010s | Dr. Mike Mew introduces orthotropics |
| 2020 | TikTok creators start posting mewing videos |
| 2022 | Mewing becomes a meme about sigma male aesthetics |
| 2025 | Fully integrated into slang culture; often ironic |
This table shows how a medical term evolved into everyday slang, often disconnected from its original purpose.
How People Use “Mewing” in Online Chats
Mewing slang has spread across TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Reddit, and even dating apps, each platform giving it a slightly different tone.
TikTok and Instagram
On these platforms, mewing is often joke content:
- Videos showing exaggerated jawline angles
- Memes about “silent sigma male energy”
- Glow-up or transformation videos
Example:
- Comment: “Bro stopped talking and started mewing.”
- Meaning: The person is silently posing or flexing their jawline like a meme sigma male.
Snapchat and Texting
In private conversations, mewing slang is used to tease friends, flirt subtly, or describe someone acting quiet and mysterious.
Example Text Chat:
- Friend 1: “Why are you so quiet?”
- Friend 2: “Just mewing.”
Here, “mewing” replaces ‘thinking’ or ‘posing silently’, often humorously.
Discord, Reddit, and Forums
On these platforms, mewing slang can be both serious and ironic. It’s common in meme-heavy threads or gaming communities.
- Used to roast people for focusing too much on looks
- Self-deprecating jokes about jawlines
- Threads discussing “mewing progress”
Pro Tip: If you’re using mewing slang online, tone matters. Overuse can seem try-hard or confusing.
Real-Life Examples of Mewing in Chats and Memes
Seeing mewing in context makes it much easier to understand. Here are some common scenarios:
1 – Meme:
- Image: A guy staring silently at the camera
- Caption: “He’s mewing.”
- Meaning: Exaggerated jawline flex, sigma male energy, or silent confidence
2 – Texting:
- Friend: “Where are you?”
- You: “Mewing in the corner”
- Meaning: Quietly minding your own business, often looking serious
3 – Social Media Comment:
- Post: Selfie showing jawline
- Comment: “Stop mewing bro, you’re scaring everyone”
- Meaning: Joke about overdoing jawline posing
4 – Reddit Thread:
- OP: “Tried mewing for 3 months”
- Comments: “Lol, welcome to the sigma side”
- Meaning: Half serious, half ironic reference to jawline improvement
Why Examples Help
Internet slang is context-sensitive. The same term can be:
- A compliment (“Nice jawline, you’re mewing”)
- A joke (“He’s mewing like it’ll solve world problems”)
- Self-deprecating humor (“I’m mewing in my dorm room”)
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
Newcomers to slang often make errors using mewing online. Here are the biggest mistakes:
Confusing Mewing with American Sign Language
- Some people misread “mewing” as “signing” or ASL.
- Remember: In slang, mewing is about jawlines, not gestures.
Using It in the Wrong Context
- Telling someone “stop mewing” in a serious conversation may confuse them.
- Works best in memes, joking texts, or playful commentary.
Misinterpreting Tone
- Online, mewing often implies irony.
- If used literally, friends may think you’re serious about jaw posture.
Tip: When in doubt, use mewing in meme contexts or with friends who get the joke.
Related Slangs and Abbreviations
Mewing often shows up alongside other modern slang. Here’s a mini guide:
| Slang | Meaning | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sigma male | Independent, quiet, confident persona | “He’s a sigma male, always mewing in selfies” |
| Glow-up | Transformation or improvement in appearance | “After 3 months of mewing, his glow-up is wild” |
| Flex | Showing off | “That jawline flex is next-level” |
| Simp | Someone obsessed with someone else | “Stop simping over her mewing pics” |
| UwU / OwO | Cute or playful expression | “Mewing UwU” (joking tone) |
These terms often intersect in meme culture, making mewing slang easier to understand when combined with them.
Why Mewing Slang Became Popular
Mewing slang thrives because:
- It’s visually relatable: Jawlines are easy to exaggerate in selfies and memes
- It’s ironic and meme-friendly: People love exaggeration and poking fun at self-improvement culture
- It’s versatile: Can be serious, ironic, flirtatious, or self-deprecating
- Social media algorithms amplify it: TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Shorts push these trends rapidly
Fun Fact: By 2025, searches for “what is mewing slang” have doubled compared to 2023 due to meme virality.
How to Use Mewing Slang Without Looking Clueless
Here are practical tips for beginners:
- Use it in memes or ironic contexts first
- Pair it with visuals like selfies or screenshots
- Avoid using it in serious, professional chats
- Observe how your friends or favorite creators use it before trying
- Combine with related slang (sigma, flex, glow-up) for maximum effect
Case Study: Mewing Memes on TikTok
Scenario: 18–26-year-olds posting selfies or jawline progress videos.
Observation:
- Videos with captions “He’s mewing” get 3–5x more engagement than normal selfies
- Comments are usually ironic, joking, or teasing
- Influencers use it to boost relatability while poking fun at themselves
Key Takeaway: Using mewing slang correctly can increase engagement and make posts trendier—perfect example of how slang drives internet culture.
Common Mistakes Table
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using literally | People don’t realize it’s mostly a joke | Use in meme or playful contexts |
| Confusing with ASL | Reading “mewing” as American Sign Language | Check context before replying |
| Overusing | Spam or repetitive posts | Use occasionally, ideally with humor |
| Misreading tone | Misinterpreting irony | Observe the context and platform |
FAQs
What does mewing mean in slang?
Answer: Pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth, often joked about online as jawline posing.
Is mewing serious or just a meme?
Answer: Mostly a meme now; some use it seriously for jawline exercises, but online it’s ironic.
Can I say someone is mewing in text messages?
Answer: Yes, but best for joking or playful contexts, not professional chats.
Where did mewing slang come from?
Answer: From Dr. Mike Mew’s orthotropics technique, popularized online through TikTok and meme culture.
What slang is related to mewing?
Answer: Sigma male, flex, glow-up, simp—terms often used in similar meme contexts.
Conclusion
Mewing slang is a perfect example of how internet culture transforms a real-life technique into a viral, meme-worthy term. It’s all about jawline, silent confidence, and ironic exaggeration. Now you know what mewing slang means, how to use it in chats, and how to spot it in memes.
Understanding these trends helps you decode social media, connect with friends, and enjoy the humor without confusion.
What’s your favorite chat abbreviation? Drop it in the comments!
