qqs
/qqs/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'wdym' is represented by the abbreviation qqs.
The abbreviation qqs is used in informal text messaging when you want to ask for clarification on something someone has said, functioning as a shorthand for "what do you mean."
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have preferred ways to express this idea. In Spain, you might hear the informal expression ¿Qué dices? In Argentina and Uruguay, the preferred informal way to express this is ¿Qué querés decir? In Mexico, ¿Qué quieres decir con eso? is commonly used to convey the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
/qqs/
Did you know?
- While qqs is used in texting, spoken Spanish often uses the phrase ¿Cómo así?, which literally means 'How like that?' to ask 'What do you mean?'
- In some regions, the phrase ¿Qué dices? is used as a greeting similar to 'What's up?' or 'How's it going?', rather than a request for information.
- While English speakers use 'wdym' as a specific shorthand, Spanish speakers often use the single letter q to represent 'que' in rapid texting. This can lead to very short-hand versions of 'what do you mean' such as q qs.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are texting about their plans for the weekend.
- LucíaMañana no puedo ir.I can't go tomorrow.
- Alejandro¿qqs con eso?Wdym by that?
- LucíaTengo que trabajar más tiempo.I have to work more hours.
- AlejandroAh, entiendo. No hay problema.Ah, I see. No problem.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
