What does 'oomf' mean? Add the indirect term to your digital vocab.

Olivia Munson, USA TODAY
Updated ·3 min read

Have you ever come across a word online but you weren't quite sure what it meant? Context can help figure out what digital speech means, but for a lot of people (a lot of the time) you just have to look it up.

Take "oomf" for example. No, the slang term isn't a misspelling of "oomph," which often describes something's "personal charm or magnetism." And it isn't an onomatopoeia for the sound someone makes when they get punched.

If you see someone talking about "oomfie," it might be you. Here's what the social media nickname means.

What does 'oomf' mean?

"Oomf" has two definitions, meaning "one of my friends" or "one of my followers."

According to Dictionary.com, the slang is used to identify a person without calling them by name. It's a way to indirectly speak about someone whom you are connected with, whether it's a friend or follower.

While its origin cannot be pinpointed exactly, users on Twitter began using "oomf" as a hashtag beginning in March 2010, Dictionary.com reports. Since then, the usage of "oomf" has branched out to other social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok.

The term can be either positive or negative depending on the context.

For instance, "oomf" can be used to spotlight a user's friend or follower for their achievements. If your friend gave you a handmade gift, you might post an Instagram story captioned, "Look what oomf made me!"

On the other hand, "oomf" can be used to indirectly target someone in a passive aggressive manner. For example, "all oomf does is post on social, do they not have a job?"

Some might use the variation "oomfie" as well. Its meaning is retained and the same goes for its usage. It's just a more cutesy way of saying the former.

How to use 'oomf'

Here are some examples of how to use "oomf":

  • "Oomf needs to mind their own business and stop sliding in my DMs."

  • "Oomfie is so cute. Her Instagram feed is gorgeous."

  • "Where did you get your necklace?" "Oomf made it for me."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does 'oomf' stand for: Breaking down the online slang.