SMH Meaning
Last Updated:What does SMH mean?
SMH means Shaking My Head. It could also mean Sydney Morning Herald.
On this page:
- Where is SMH used?
- How is SMH used?
- Example Uses of SMH
- Who uses SMH?
- History of SMH
- Other Definitions of SMH
SMH is an initialism that means “shaking my head”. It’s used to show disappointment, disbelief or exasperation in the words or actions of someone else.
Where is SMH used?
SMH is often used on social networks where people talk to each other or comment on posts, as well as in text messages.
SMH is used on the follow platforms and places:
- texting
- online conversation
- Discord
- Facebook Messenger
- Snapchat
- Telegram
- TikTok
- Tumblr
- Twitch
- YouTube
How is SMH used?
SMH is used to show what would otherwise be a physical reaction (physically shaking your head) online. It is used to display feelings of disappointment, disbelief or exasperation in the words or actions of someone else.
Do people say SMH out loud?
No, they usually just shake their head. You generally do not need to tell others who are physically present that you are shaking your head because they can see that you are shaking your head.
Example Uses of SMH
You don't like pizza? SMH...
Someone is in disbelief that their friend doesn't like pizza.
You said you would have the money for me today... SMH.
Person A said they would give person B money on a specific date. It is now that date, and person B does not have the money. Person A is disappointed.
In a text message:They're not going to let you into the store without pants, man. SMH.
Someone's friend insists that they can go into the store without wearing pants.
On online conversation:SMH, that's the worst password I've ever seen.
A friend got hacked and revealed that the password he used was 12345.
On online conversation:SMH, you should have studied.
A friend is disappointed in their friend's poor test score and tells them that they should have studied.
On Facebook:I said no lowball offers in my post! SMH.
Someone is annoyed by lowball offers for an item they're selling on Facebook Marketplace.
On Twitter:He just doesn't learn, does he? SMH.
Someone is annoyed and disappointed (but not surprised) that their friend keeps making the same mistakes over and over.
On Instagram:SMH, what's the point of such a silly rule?
Someone posts a photo to Instagram of a sign that contains a list of prohibited activities, including one which the person finds silly.
In a text message:SMH, you can't just make up your own definitions to words!
Someone is annoyed that their friend doesn't believe in dictionaries and insists on making up their own definitions for words they're unfamiliar with.
In a text message:Did you see that story in SMH today? Going to be a rough day at the office...
A text message between coworkers about how a story in the Sydney Morning Herald is going to affect their workday.
Who uses SMH?
SMH seems to be used by younger people more than older people.
History of SMH
First Use
We don’t know when SMH was first used to mean “shaking my head”, but the initialism was certainly used before to mean Sydney Morning Herald, a paper which has used that name since 1841.
Urban Dictionary shows that it was first defined as “shaking my head” in 2004.
Rise in Popularity
According to Google Trends, the initialism has slowly increased in popularity since at least 2004. In 2009, it experienced a large jump in popularity, peaking in 2013 and since slowly declining.
What was used before SMH?
Before SMH, people would just used words to show express disappointment. Instead of saying “SMH” when someone lied, they may say something like “I’m really disappointed and annoyed that you lied”.
Other Definitions of SMH
SMH can also mean:
- Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney Morning Herald
Founded in 1831 as the Sydney Herald, its name was changed to the Sydney Morning Herald in 1841. Since then, many have used the initialism SMH to refer to the paper.