AW Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on December 20, 2024 by Emma Grace

The internet slang term AW appears very frequently when reading online material but what is the meaning of this term? We are going to take a look at what it means as well as looking at some examples of how the internet slang term can be used. We will also find out the origin of the slang and where it first came from.

AW Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • When “AW” is used to mean “Attention Whore,” it’s a slang term used pejoratively to describe someone who seeks excessive attention or validation, often in an exaggerated or dramatic way.
AW Meaning
AW Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does AW Mean?

As an abbreviation, AW can stand for “Attention Whore,” which is a colloquial term used to describe someone who seeks attention excessively. This usage typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the person in question is desperately craving validation or recognition from others.

Origin of AW

The internet slang term attention whore first started to be seen in the year 2000 when it was used on Everything 2 Wiki, from there the use of the term snowballed to the popularity it has today.

Usage of AW

To Criticize or Tease Someone’s Behavior:

Often used in a lighthearted or sarcastic manner to point out someone’s attention-seeking actions.

  • “She posted ten selfies today. Total AW move.”

In Casual Conversations:

Typically used among friends or peers in a joking or informal context.

  • “Don’t be such an AW; we all saw your dramatic post.”

In Online Communities:

Sometimes used in forums, comment sections, or social media to call out behavior perceived as overly attention-seeking.

  • “Another vague status update without context? AW alert!”

To Describe Exaggerated Actions:

Refers to behaviors or posts that seem designed solely to attract attention.

  • “Wearing a prom dress to a casual dinner party? AW vibes.”

Other Meanings for the Slang

There are other meanings for the term aw in an online sense. Here are some examples of other things which the slang can mean.

  • anyway
  • aw used as a word when talking about something cute, adorable or lovely.

Related Terms to AW

  • Clout Chaser – Someone who seeks fame or attention, often online.
  • Drama Queen – A person who exaggerates emotions or situations for attention.
  • Show-off – Someone who behaves in a way meant to attract admiration or attention.
  • Spotlight Seeker – Someone who actively pursues being the center of attention.
  • Attention Seeker – A general term for someone who craves attention.
  • Social Butterfly – Someone who enjoys and thrives on social interaction, sometimes seeking attention in groups.
  • Narcissist – A psychological term often used casually to describe someone overly focused on themselves.
  • Fame Seeker – Someone who seeks recognition or fame at all costs.
  • Self-Promoter – A person who constantly talks about themselves to gain attention.
  • Try-hard – Someone who tries excessively to gain approval or attention.
  • Pick-me – A term for someone who seeks validation by putting others down or seeking to appear different.
  • Thirsty – Describing someone desperate for attention, often in a romantic or social context.
  • Wannabe – A person trying to imitate or achieve fame or attention like someone else.
  • Over-sharer – Someone who shares too much personal information, often to draw attention.
  • Flexer – Someone who brags or shows off to impress others.

Other Ways to Say the Slang

There are, like many things other ways in which you can say the internet slang term aw. If you are curious to see other things that you can say in its place, here is a list to demonstrate that.

  • attention bitch
  • attention seeker

AW Examples

In Texting and Social Posts

In the realm of texting and social media posts, the abbreviation “AW” can have a few different meanings. It is important to recognize the context in which it is used to understand the intended message. On platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and messaging apps, some common interpretations of AW are as follows:

  • Expression of approval or sympathy: In this context, AW acts as an interjection to convey mild disappointment, gentle entreaty, or real/mock sympathy or sentiment. For example, someone might respond to a cute picture of a puppy with an “AW” to express their admiration or endearment.
  • Anyway: When used to mean “anyway,” AW is often employed to shift or connect topics during a conversation. For example, after discussing a problem, a person might write, “AW, let’s talk about something else.”
  • Attention Whore: In some cases, AW may be negatively used to label someone who is craving attention or validation from others. This usage is less common and would generally appear in more informal settings or group chats.

While texting and social media are increasingly popular, AW can also appear in other internet contexts, such as domain names. For instance, Aruba’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is “.aw,” which companies and organizations based in the island nation may utilize to establish localized web presence.

In Conversations

You are likely to see the term attention whore used many times when on the internet, we are now going to look at some examples of how the slang can be used in a conversation to better understand the use.

The first conversation is happening on a Facebook status update.

  • Person 1: “Feeling really low…..again.”
  • Person 2: “What’s wrong babe?”
  • Person 1: “I’ll send you an inbox.”
  • Person 3: “There’s nothing wrong, she’s being an AW!”

The next conversation is happening in a private online conversation.

  • Person 1: “Did you see the photos that Amy shared of her holiday?”
  • Person 2: “Yes, she could have worn more clothes in them.”
  • Person 1: “Yeah, one word…..AW!”

The final conversation is taking place in an online forum.

  • Person 1: “I am so sick of this now,”
  • Person 2: “What are you sick of?”
  • Person 1: “Everything.”
  • Person 2: “Oh get a grip and stop being such an AW.”
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