- Sending a direct message (DM) to someone on a social media platform (like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook), typically someone you don't know well or at all.
- Often implies romantic or flirtatious intent, but can sometimes be used for networking or initiating other types of private conversation.
Explanation
Origin
- Emerged from social media culture, specifically with the popularization of Direct Message features.
- The term sliding suggests a smooth, possibly stealthy, or bold move into someone's private message inbox.
- Popularized in the mid-2010s through internet memes and discussions about online dating and interaction.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Hopping in the DMs.
- Shooting your shot (Often used in the context of sliding into DMs with romantic intent, meaning taking a chance)
More Formal (Rarely used in this specific context, but related):
- Initiating a private message.
- Contacting directly via the platform's messaging feature.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Primarily used in discussions about social media behavior, dating, or online interactions.
- The appropriateness of the *action* itself (sliding into DMs) varies greatly depending on context and platform (e.g., flirting on Instagram vs. professional networking on LinkedIn).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main potential misunderstanding is the *intent*. While often flirtatious, it doesn't always have to be. Context is key.
Examples
- He saw her picture on Instagram and decided to slide into her DMs.
- Is it weird to slide into a potential employer's DMs on LinkedIn? (Less common usage, more professional context)
- She wasn't expecting him to slide into the DMs, but she replied anyway.
Dialogue
Person A: I saw that actor I like answered fan questions on his story.
Person B: Cool! Did you ask anything?
Person A: Nah, I was tempted to slide into his DMs though, just to say hi.
Person B: Haha, shoot your shot! What's the worst that could happen? He leaves you on read?
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Thinking about sliding into their DMs but my anxiety says no 🫠 #socialmedia #dating
- Instagram caption: Met my partner by sliding into their DMs. Sometimes shooting your shot works! ❤️
- Reddit comment: Is it ever okay to slide into a recruiter's DMs on LinkedIn after applying for a job?
Response Patterns
- If someone says they did it: Oh really? What did you say? or Did they reply? or Bold move!
- If someone asks if they should do it: Go for it! or Hmm, maybe start with a comment first? or Depends on the situation.
- If someone received one: Oh? Who was it? or What did they want?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone mentions sliding into DMs:
- Ask about the outcome: Did it work? / What happened next?
- Ask about the content of the message: What did you/they say?
- Discuss the appropriateness: Was that weird? / Do you think that's okay?
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually discussed when talking about social media interactions or dating, not typically an opener itself.
Intonation
- Often said with a knowing, slightly playful, or suggestive tone.
- Emphasis can be on slide or DMs. SLIDING into DMs.
Generation Differences
- Very common among Millennials and Gen Z. Older generations might understand it but use it less frequently.
Regional Variations
- Widely understood in English-speaking countries due to global social media usage.