S/O is a shorthand term used in texting, often written as “s/o” or sometimes as “SO.” It has two common meanings: “shout out” and “significant other.”
1. Shout Out
“shout out” is used to recognize or show appreciation for someone publicly. It can be shared during live events, social media posts, or even broadcast on platforms like radio or TV. It is often used to thank someone for their support, effort, or achievements.
Examples:
- “Sending a huge s/o to my fans for all the love!”
- “A special s/o to @user123 for helping with the project.”
2. Significant Other
S/O can also be “significant other,” which refers to someone’s romantic partner. It is an inclusive term describing any committed relationship, such as a spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. This phrase is widely used when discussing relationships without going into too much detail.
Examples:
- “Are you bringing your s/o to the event?”
- “My s/o always makes my day brighter!”
How S/O Is Used
| Definition | Type | Guessability | Users |
| Shout Out | Abbreviation | Moderate (Level 3) | Adults and teenagers |
| Significant Other | Abbreviation | Moderate (Level 3) | Adults and teenagers |
Both definitions are widely used in texting apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Grammar Notes
When used as “shout out,” it is treated as a compound noun (a term formed by two or more words). When used as “significant other,” it’s a noun phrase consisting of an adjective and a pronoun.
Example:
- “Nice s/o from the manager last night!”
