What does “lwk” mean on the internet?

A new expression is making its way around the internet. But what does “lwk” mean?

Internet vocabulary is constantly expanding and continues to surprise us. While some abbreviations have become essential in everyday online conversations, others are slightly more difficult to understand. Recently, we have seen a new expression gaining ground: lwk. Three more letters which, at first glance, appear to mean nothing. And yet…

If you are wondering what “lwk” means, read on. Having already explained “ofc”, “tmi” and “smh”, we are now decoding this hugely popular new expression used on social media worldwide.

What does “lwk” mean?

Be careful not to confuse “lmk” with “lwk”. The former stands for “let me know”, an abbreviation we have already broken down in a previous article. “Lwk”, meanwhile, is a newer term. Unlike most pieces of internet slang, it is not an acronym. “Lwk” is short for “lowkey”, which could be translated as “quietly”, “a little” or “deep down”. The word “lowkey” generally refers to something discreet, or even secret. If GIMS’ Ciel is a guilty pleasure that you struggle to admit enjoying, you like it “lowkey”. In other words, lwk: on the sly.

How “lwk” is used on social media

Internet users employ the abbreviation “lwk” when sharing an opinion they may not necessarily be expected to voice. In this post on X, formerly Twitter, for instance, the user expresses their love of Greek gyros, while admitting that they secretly miss ranch sauce. A heresy when it comes to Hellenic food.

Here, the user says that “being my friend must be a bit tiring, and everyone who is still friends with me today is honestly the best for putting up with my nonsense”.

“Lwk” enters French online vocabulary

As use of the abbreviation “lwk” continues to grow, it is crossing borders and finding its way into the vocabulary of French internet users. Fans of Franglais, who combine English and French in the same sentence, are not hesitating to use it when expressing themselves.

This user, for example, shares her somewhat secret dream of having a journalism career like those portrayed in early-2000s romantic comedies and television series.

Now you know everything there is to know. You can therefore use “lwk” knowingly online and across social media. And that is lwk really great.