There are thousands of words that are a part of the vernacular of English speakers that we don’t think about their meaning or what they stand for. One such word or sound is ‘MHM,’ which most people who speak English associate with an agreement or yes. We simply make the long “mmmm” sound and the “hmmm” sound while keeping the lips together, just like when humming.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the ‘Mhm’ sound and various mhm meaning:
What Does Mhm Mean?
You might think that as a short 3-letter word, Mhm might be an acronym for a longer-term or phrase, since nowadays people have a knack for shortening words and phrases to make them easier to type.
However, mhm isn’t an acronym; it is simply a sound that denotes a positive response. Mhm is a shorter version of the ‘mm-hmm’ sound we make in agreement in everyday life. You will find that people more commonly use Mhm online, and in the same manner in real life and for the same purpose, i.e., to say “yes.” But an “mhm” response does not come across as direct and enthusiastic as the word “yes.”
Where Did MHM Come From?
The first record of the word mmhmm can be traced back to 1934, but if you want to know when the word Mhm first appeared online, that is more difficult to figure out. The first crowdsourced mhm definition on Urban Dictionary popped up in 2004, so it is safe to assume that the world existed online before that, even in the times of AOL Messenger.
The Mhm word most likely came about for convenience, since in early text messaging on QWERTY keypads, typing yes or mmhmm required you to press buttons nine times, while Mhm needed only four clicks, which is much easier and quicker.
How Is MHM Used?
When a person asks another person a yes or no question, the person who is answering may choose to respond with a straightforward mhm, if they agree or are thinking yes.
The interpretation of an mhm response is easier in real life since it depends on the manner the person says it. By examining the tone, you can interpret whether the mhm answer was said in enthusiasm or apathy.
However, understanding or conveying the tone of the response online is more complicated. Therefore, you will have to consider other factors to interpret the mhm response for a more precise understanding.
The most important thing to consider will be the context of the conversation and the relationship between the persons having the text conversation.
The essential considerations in the context of the conversation and the relationship between people in the conversation can help you get a better understanding of what a person means when they answer with mhm.
How Mhm Is Used – Examples
Example 1
Person #1: “Did you receive the image I sent yesterday?
Person #2: “mhm“
The first example shows that the second person simply wants to answer yes or no to the question asked by Person #1, and they go with an mhm, which is direct and clear agreement. The response also hints at an informal, friendly relationship between the two persons.
Example 2
Person #1: “Hey, are you planning to watch the new movie tonight??”
Person #2: “Mhm, I have been waiting impatiently for its release for weeks!”
In this second example, the context of the conversation influences the second person’s answer. It is evident from their comment after mhm that they are enthusiastic and friendly.
Example 3
Person #1: “Are you sure you can’t make it to tomorrow’s hangout?
Person #2: “mhm… I have prior commitments.”
The third example provides a different context that is the opposite of what the second example elucidates. It is evident that the two people are talking about a plan. However, the second person agrees with the first, the second part of their statement, and the use of ellipsis hints at a lack of enthusiasm and apathy.
Should The MHM Be Capitalized or Written in Lower Case?
We typically use acronyms and online jargon in a casual setting, such as on a friends’ group chat or on social media websites. The punctuation is not that important.
Whether you write MHM in all capital letters or stick with lowercase letters like mhm, chances are that no one will notice, or it wouldn’t make a difference to the meaning of the word or to the people who send or receive it. Online culture is more laid back, especially on chats and social networking sites.
Examples of MHM
Example 1
Person #1: Will you go for groceries today?
Person #2: mhm
Person #1: What? You promised me that you’d do groceries this week! I will not accept ‘mhm’ as a response.
Person #2: I’m not saying no, but I wouldn’t be able to go today.
Person #1: Oh! It’s alright; you can go tomorrow. We don’t need anything urgently.
Person #2: Thanks. You’ll get everything by tomorrow afternoon. I promise!
Example 2
Person #1: Hey!
Person #2: Hello!
Person #1: I need help finding a couple of good-quality blue sweatshirts online for under $10.
Person #2: MHM
Person #1: Come on! You are great at finding deals online!
Person #2: LOL! OK! Give me a couple of days, and I’ll get back to you with something good.
Person #1: You are the best! I’m waiting.
Person #2: Lol!
Example 3
You are in conversation with friends on a WhatsApp group. While planning your Saturday movie night, your best friend asks you to come a little early for arrangements. So as a response, you reply ‘mhm’ instead of saying yes because you are not sure if you’ll be able to reach early. People sometimes use ‘mhm’ to express their lack of interest without saying it aloud.
Exciting Facts About Mhm – The Word
- The term Mhm can have several different meanings depending on the context.
- The word mhm is also employed in everyday language, which is an interesting fact. In actual life, expressions such as lol, brb, btw, g2g, and even mhm are utilized.
- The third fact of mhm, the word, is that it is utilized in ordinary messaging as well as social media.
- The most significant aspect of the term is that it is not an abbreviation. In most cases, it is used by the sender to indicate a positive answer.
- The year 1934 marks the first time the word mhm was used. As a result, mhm was used on early chat apps such as AOL instant message.
- The utilization of the word mhm in text messaging has one minor disadvantage. Normally, the individual getting an Mhm response will be unable to decipher its significance. It’s because texting loses the personal touch of hearing their tone.
- Lastly, the last fact regarding the word mhm has to do with understanding the feeling is necessary to grasp the context that the term is used. Only when you hear this word in an audio note can you know the emotion.
When to Use Mhm vs. Yes
Mhm is usually considered a yes; however, its usage depends on the type of conversation and time. The following guidelines will help you properly use mhm vs. yes in online conversations:
When to Use MHM
Suppose you are having a casual text conversation with a good friend or maybe responding to a casual post/comment on social media; you can use mhm in such cases. Especially if you are saying yes to the related post/comment, mhm will fit into the context.
If you want to say “yes,” but you are indifferent, or you possibly disagree with the post/comment or in any casual conversation, you can use mhm to show that you agree, but you are not feeling convinced. Using mhm is a simple way of conveying your indifference or opposition without saying yes or no.
When to Use “Yes”
If you are having a professional or formal conversation with your boss, colleague, professor, health professional, or anyone else, it is best to use “yes” in your conversations rather than using mhm. If the conversation requires a formal tone, proper etiquette, and no joking around, using “yes” is the ideal choice instead of mhm.
During formal conversations, it’s vital to convert your message clearly, so using “yes” is the best choice since MHM can have dual meanings. It shows a lack of confidence and surety. Most importantly, people generally are not aware of MHM’s meaning.
Saying “yes” shows confidence, and the receiver has no doubts left that you are thinking or feeling a possible no. Always send confident and clear messages during formal conversations; mhm can be misinterpreted and could be used against you.
What does mhm mean on Snapchat?
Snapchat users often use Mhm. English-speaking individuals often use it to express agreement “yes.” Similar to the “mmmm” sound associated with yes, mhm is also considered yes.
There is another meaning of mhm on Snapchat; mhm meaning from a girl, can mean Menstrual Hygiene Management. Mhm, this context is often used by users under 13, teenagers, and adults. Since mhm has two very different meanings on Snapchat, it is essential to understand what does mhm mean in the particular context to respond appropriately.
What is the best response to MHM?
As discussed previously, there can be two or more meanings on mhm, so understand the context before responding. Following is an example of responding to mhm:
Person #1: Are you coming for dinner?
Person #2: mhm
Person #1: I would appreciate it if you’ll confirm it.
Person #2: Yes, I’ll join you for dinner.
Person #1: Thanks. I’ll be waiting.
Sometimes you can end the conversation after receiving mhm as a response. However, if it is essential for you to get a definite answer, you can ask for confirmation politely, especially reconfirm the meaning of mhm in a formal/official conversation.
Is MHM universal?
Both meanings or usage of mhm are universal. Only English speakers commonly use mhm. So, avoid using mhm while conversing with someone who is not aware of the mhm meaning in texting slang.
Key points
Mhm fits better in casual conversations with close friends and family. Never use mhm informal text conversations. Avoid using it with someone who might be unaware of its meaning.
We hope that this post has helped clarify what dose mhm mean in text, and you will now be able to use mhm in conversations online effectively.
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Lucas Brown 
