What does SMDH mean? In what context, it is used in the text?

Where do netizens use it and most importantly why do they use it?

This is a comprehensive guide explaining every possible aspect associated with “SMDH”- its meaning, its etymology, uses, and more.

If you were wondering what does SMDH mean in text messaging, continue reading.

Table of Contents

What does SMDH mean in texting?

SMDH is short for “Shaking My Damn Head”.

It is an Internet acronym used as a form of expression in reaction to something stupid, unrealistic, unbelievable or something that rarely makes any sense.

If you’re following Internet slang, acronyms, and abbreviations, you might have heard about SMH. It is used to mean disappointment or disbelief over something. We’ve already written about SMH (read here).

Now, SMDH seems to be an extension of SMH, but it means something that’s way too stupid, silly, or unbelievable that it requires an extra shaking of head (note the use of “damn”)

Meaning of SMDH – Word by Word analysis

Shaking – Moving

My – Person responding to an event, situation, or someone’s behavior.

Damn Head – Criticizing strongly/expressing anger, frustration, or disappointment

Etymology of SMDH

We did not find a specific reference to the acronym “SMDH”. As far as SMH is concerned, it’s unclear where did it actually come from. According to Lexico, its use dates back to the early 21st century.

But one thing is apparent.

The immense popularity of social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc., has made these acronyms highly popular in modern-day internet-based communication, especially among the younger generation folks who prefer time-saving texting.

Its use

SMDH is used in social media platforms while communicating thoughts through posts, messages, etc. Some may also prefer to use them in SMS communication, but the use is more common in text-based Internet communication on social media platforms as mentioned above.

SMDH vs SMH

As noted above, SMH is a form of user expression commonly used in text messages in social media chats and posts to mean disappointment or disbelief over something. SMDH means the same thing, with a higher degree of disappointment. Note the use “damn head” rather than “head”.

So, there’s an extra focus on disapproval or disappointment.

Dictionary Meaning of SMDH

According to Macmillan, SMDH is “Used to show that you think something is very bad or completely unacceptable”

According to Urban Dictionary, SMDH is “An acronym which is a variant of SMH; it means “shaking my damn head.”

Use Cases – When to use & Not to Use SMDH in text talk?

Social media users use this acronym to express disagreement or frustration over something that is so stupid that there’s nothing else to say or do but to shake the head.

SMDH is seen used among people, usually friends, who know each other very well and can confidently talk freely, and speaking their mind. While there’s no specific rule as to how to use it, it goes without saying that the abbreviation should not be used when talking to people who would not understand it or during formal or professional communication.

Using this acronym in a business email should raise eyebrows.
Using this acronym in a chat message with a close friend should continue the discussion, depending on the context.

Examples in text talk and conversation

Looking at the mess the kids have made, when their parents will arrive home, they’ll be like SMDH

SMDH..The author’s characters and their behaviors always surprise me

Alternative meaning of SMDH

No alternative meaning of SMDH was found at the moment of writing this article, except for SMH – which is its variant

Its usage trend according to Region

Source – Google Trends