Numbers in Text Messaging (2024)

Number Abbreviations ("Number Codes")

Using numbers and symbols is a huge part of texting nowadays. Here on Cyber Definitions, we have hundreds of entries that are made up of just numbers or combinations of numbers and letters.

In some cases, the numbers represent the letters they look like (e.g., the number 4 is often used to replace the letter A). However, that is only a small part of the story. In "text speak," numbers are used in lots of imaginative ways.

A number-based word is called a numeronym. Numeronyms are often referred to a "number codes." They can be formed in various ways, such as:

  • Shortening a word by replacing a sequence of letters with the count of those letters (e.g., i18n for "internationalization" and a11y for "accessibility").
  • Combining letters and numbers (e.g, K9 for "canine" and W3 for "World Wide Web").
  • Using numbers to represent letters or words (e.g., 143 for "I love you," 637 for "always and forever," and 5201314 for "I will love you for a lifetime").

Some "number codes" were used long before the digital era. Many of the early numeronyms, like 143 and 637, were written on the envelopes of letters between lovers. They were often a coded message between the sender and the recipient, thought to allow secret expressions of love or passion.

Numbers in Text Messaging (1)

The Most Popular Numbers Used in Text Speak

Here are the most popular "number codes."

***For a complete list of "number codes", visit our numbers search page.***

Numeronym ("Number Code")Image

<2

<2 means "Not in Love."

As <3 means "love," a decrease in numerical value decreases the intensity of the emotion.

<3

<3 means "Love."

Because <3 looks like a heart, it is used as a symbol of love.

<4

<4 means "More Than in Love."

As <3 means "love," an increase in numerical value also increases the intensity of the emotion.

0

0 means "Loser."

A zero is a loser.

10

10 means "Perfect."

10 refers to the top score out of 10 when describing the appearance or desirability of a person.

11:11

11:11 means "Wishing Time."

Some people claim that 11:11 (am or pm) is the optimal moment to make a wish, especially if your wish is related to love.

1234

1234 means "I Love You."

The use of 1234 to say "I Love You" comes from the following idea: I have 1 thing 2 say: 3 words 4 you (i.e., I love you).

1337

1337 means "Elite."

1337 is used mainly by the gaming community to mean an especially skilled (i.e., elite) player.

143

143 means "I Love You."

The number 143 represents the number of letters in each word of the phrase "I love you."

14344

14344 means "I Love You Very Much."

The number 14344 represents the number of letters in each word of the phrase "I love you very much."

1437

1437 means "I Love You Forever."

The number 1437 represents the number of letters in each word of the phrase "I love you forever."

153

153 means "I Adore You."

The number 153 represents the number of letters in each word of the phrase "I adore you."

381

381 means "I Love You."

The 3 represents the number of words in the term "I love you," the 8 represents the total number of letters in the term, and the 1 tells us that the term has one meaning.

39

39 means "Thank You."

It is based on the Sino-Japanese pronunciation of the numbers 3 and 9.

3Q

3Q means "Thank You."

It is based on the Sino-Japanese pronunciation of the number 3 and the letter Q.

4221

4221 means "Forever Together to Love One Another."

The number 4221 represents the words (or parts of words) in the phrase "4ever 2gether 2 love 1 one another."

721

721 means "Love You."

The number 7 represents the total number of letters in the phrase "love you," the 2 represents the number of words, and the 1 tells us that the term has one meaning.

823

823 means "Thinking of You."

The number 823 represents the number of letters in each word of the phrase "thinking of you."

831

831 means "I Love You."

The number 3 represents the number of words in the term "I love you," the 8 represents the total number of letters in the term, and the 1 tells us that the term has one meaning.

I<3U

I<3U means "I Love You."

I<3U represents "I heart (i.e., 'love') you."

K3U

K3U means "I Love You."

K3U looks like "I<3U," which means "I heart (i.e., 'love') you."

Using Numbers ("Number Codes") in Texts

This video shows some of the many ways that numbers are used in text messaging:

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See Also

Using Numbers to Say WordsDifferent ways of saying "I love you"

Numbers in Text Messaging (2024)

FAQs

What is the short code 22395? ›

Gemini uses (952) 234-8378 and short code 22395 to communicate SMS authentication with customers. Gemini will never text or call you for your authentication code, please do not share this with anyone. What is Authy and how do I set it up for my account? How do I use 2FA with my new phone device/number?

Why are so many numbers texting me? ›

Why am I getting spam text messages? There are many ways spammers get hold of your cell phone number so they can send SMS spam and sales texts: They may use technology to generate numbers automatically — so even if you have a brand-new number, you can still receive both robocalls and robotexts.

Should you answer texts from unknown numbers? ›

If you do get a message that might be suspicious, even ones that say you can text STOP to end the communications, the FCC says to not respond, and block any messages that come in, and the related phone numbers or emails.

What does a 5 digit text mean? ›

An SMS short code is a 5 digit number to which an SMS text message can be sent. Short codes are often used by businesses to allow customers to opt-in to their SMS campaigns, alert services, or to enter SMS competitions. At BulkSMS.com we offer two types of SMS shortcode solutions.

What is text code 91994? ›

If you are contacted by any of the following, rest assured it is a legitimate note from Press Ganey seeking your feedback about Marshall Medical: Text messages will always come from 91994.

What is 86753 short code text? ›

Venmo sends text messages from the short code 86753, but savvy scammers spoof this number to convince targets the message is legitimate. Texting from what looks like the real short code, scammers use all kinds of tactics to elicit personal information they can sell or use to steal from their victims.

What area code is 910 spam? ›

A new study by BeenVerified indicates in North Carolina, the area code most faked by scammers is 910—while in neighboring South Carolina it's 803 and 757 for Virginia.

What is smishing? ›

Smishing is a social engineering attack that uses fake mobile text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals. The term “smishing” is a combination of “SMS”—or “short message service,” the technology behind text messages—and “phishing.”

Can a scammer get your info if you reply to a text? ›

In some cases, yes. Replying to a smishing message can allow malware into your phone or land you some unwanted charges.

What happens if you text back an unknown number? ›

The texts could be as simple as a message saying "Hello," or even a photo of someone you've never met. You may be tempted to answer, but experts said a response or the wrong move could give hackers access to your private information.

Do cheaters use short codes? ›

Unauthorized use: While short codes are regulated, it is still possible for individuals to misuse them for unauthorized purposes, including cheating or secretive communication.

What is the short code 32665? ›

The number 32665 is a short code used by Facebook for various purposes, primarily related to SMS notifications and verification.

What is a 10 digit number texting? ›

US- and Canada-only 10DLC, or 10-digit long code, is the industry-led long code solution for non-consumer (A2P) messaging in North America. A toll-free number (8XX), which is available for voice calls, that has been text-enabled. Existing toll-free numbers can be used.

What is the Tinder text code? ›

To keep your account safe, we require SMS verification when you log in to Tinder using your phone number. If someone were to attempt to access your account using your phone number, they wouldn't be able to login successfully without the SMS verification code that's sent to your phone.

Is your Facebook code 32665? ›

If you've set up Facebook texts, you can send a text (SMS) to 32665 (FBOOK) to get notifications without using mobile data. Keep in mind that standard messaging rates apply. You can choose what you want to get notified about from your settings.

What is the short code on messenger? ›

A short code is a specialized five to six-digit phone number used in one-way SMS and MMS messaging. Short code messages convey information to a customer that doesn't require a response. A customer can text a keyword to a business to opt in to marketing messages, vote, or enter a contest.

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