What does SMO mean on Snapchat? Meaning of social media acronym and other slang words SB and ESB - explained

If you grew up in the time that computers, smartphones and the internet were all just taking off, you will likely have been accustomed to using a variety of online slang and abbreviations, like LOL (laugh out loud), BRB (be right back), AFK (away from keyboard), TTYL (talk to you later) - the list goes on.

However, those same people that pioneered digital slang back in the day are now the same people now being stumped by new terminology used by youngsters these days. While all social media platforms have cultivated their own way of talking, Snapchat is an app that has developed a type of vernacular that’s hard to decode if you’re not already in the know.

If you have ever stopped yourself from asking, “wait, what does that mean?” in the fear of sounding “uncool” or “out of touch”, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.

What does SMO mean?

SMO could have one of two different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. In some instances, SMO stands for “Shout Me Out” which is referring to the act of users “shouting out” another profile by sharing their account, as a means of increasing their publicity and online visibility through things like followers and friends.

Alternatively, SMO could mean “Serious Mode On”, which would be used if you were wanting to talk about something seriously and have the other person take it seriously as well.

What does ESB and SB mean?

ESB and SB have somewhat similar meanings - EBS stands for “Everyone Snap Back” and SB stands for “Snap Back”. Both messages are essentially asking another Snapchatter to respond to their snap, especially if you have a Snapstreak going with other users.

A Snapstreak is when you and another Snapchatter send each other a Snapchat every single day - if you have noticed that some of your friends on Snapchat have a fire emoji next to their names in the app, this means that you and said friend currently have a Snapstreak.

This happens when you and that friend have Snapped each other (a picture, not just messaging) within 24 hours for more than three consecutive days.

The number next to the flame emoji will tell you how many days you’ve been on a Snapstreak for. To keep your Snapstreak going, all you and that friend have to do is make sure you Snap each other at least once in a 24 hour window.

If the fire emoji has been replaced with a timer emoji, then that means that your Snapstreak is about to run out - you can save your Snapstreak by snapping the other person or getting the other person to snap you, depending on who it is that hasn’t sent a picture that day.

Also, snaps sent with Memories or Spectacles content to other Snapchatters do not count towards your Snapstreaks.

Other Snapchat terminology

Other Snapchat terminology you may have come across but might not know what it means might include:

• PU: this is basically an acronym for “pop up” which means that a user is asking for someone to talk to them on Snapchat
• JW: this stands for “just wondering” 
• SMH: this means “shaking my head” and is generally used to express disappointment or confusion 
• SFS/S4S: this means “Snap for Snap”, which means that the user will trade shoutouts with another user on Snapchat 
• Snap score: your Snap score is how much you’ve been using the app - the higher the number, the more you’ve used Snapchat. You can find your Snapchat score displayed under your name on the profile screen in the app

Can I change my username on Snapchat?

When it comes to choosing a username for an account, especially if you’re young, then it usually doesn’t take long before that username becomes cringeworthy or just totally outdated. Up until very recently, Snapchat didn’t allow its users to change their username, but that’s all changed thanks to a new global update that arrived on Wednesday 23 February. The update, and the ability to change your username, is available for both Android and iOS.

After you’ve updated your app, simply head to the profile screen on Snapchat and then go into your settings, which you can do by tapping the gear icon.

From there you’ll want to head to “Username” and there should be an option to “Change username”. According to Snapchat, changing your username will not have any impact on things like your contacts, your Snap code, Snap score or your Snapchat memories.

Before you go rushing to change your username right away, be aware that you can only change it once in a year - and you won’t be able to pick a handle that’s been used in the past, even if it was used by you - so be sure you’re confident in what you want your new username to be.