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The secret meanings behind punctuation in text messages

A minute to learn, a lifetime to master. It’s an old saying that seems to apply quite aptly in this case. Communication. It’s the most basic of skills but when not done properly it can turn a small error into a huge catastrophe.
That’s why even the smallest things such as text messages can be interpreted completely differently with just a comma or apostrophe out of place.

Wired picked up on a Sam Greenspan piece about 11 secret meanings behind punctuation in text messages – below we take a look at a few of them!
Period – Meaning: You don’t want to keep going back and forth all night.
Example:
- I’m heading out to the party now.
- I’m heading out to the party now
Can you see the difference?

Exclamation Point – Meaning: Something between playful and desperate.
Example:
Sounds good. Not sure if we’re going but I might see you at the party. If you leave, let me know
Sounds good. Not sure if we’re going but I might see you at the party. If you leave, let me know!
Can you see the meanings change?

Semicolon – Meaning: You’re trying too hard
Sam describes a semicolon as a text message equivalent of putting on make-up to go to the gym

Apostrophe – Meaning:  You pay attention to the small things
Youd is just as acceptable as You’d and Id as just as acceptable as I’d.

These are just a few examples of how punctuation can change the meaning of something so dramatically. Check out the rest of the examples here!

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