There are so many words out there that we say on a daily basis and some that we don’t even really know what they mean. For many people, “PU” is one of those words that comes up often because we have been conditioned to use it in certain scenarios like after someone passes gas or if there’s a carton of rotten eggs in the refrigerator that smells bad. But what’s PU’s meaning, exactly?
“PU” also made its way to the internet and social media with an entirely new meaning which was news to me until recently. For the longest time, I thought I was finally getting the grasp of all the last slang and internet terminology, but I guess I was wrong (although I have made significant progress over the years).
So, if you’re curious about what PU actually means in text and how to use it the right way, we have you covered so the next time you hear or see it on Snapchat (just like WYF) you’re not left scratching your head wondering why it’s all over your feed.
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What Does ‘PU’ Mean When Something Stinks?
After someone passes gas, it’s likely someone in the room will say, “PU, that stinks.” We’ve all heard it before and perhaps maybe we’ve even been the person to say this out loud.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this sound and expression has been used as part of the English language starting as early as 1604 to “express contempt, disgust, or derision.” These words are oftentimes those that pop into mind when someone smells something putrid and this two-letter word captures that succinctly.
There are a few different spellings that are also deemed acceptable such as “P.U.,” “pugh,” and “pew.”
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‘PU’ Meaning in Text or on Snapchat
When it comes to texting or Snapchat, PU means “pop up.” Not like pop up out of bed, but “pop up” in their inbox. If someone writes PU in a text message or on a Snapchat story, that means they want you to message them or strike up a conversation.
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How To Use ‘PU’ Correctly
When it comes to using PU correctly, here are some examples of how one might use it:
- “P.U. that stinks.”
- “I just had the best ice cream ever. PU for more deets.”
- “Going to see Lilo and Stitch this weekend. PU if you want to join.”
The latter two examples are similar to what you’d seen from teens and young adults on social media chatting with their friends.
At the end of the day, using PU can be a quick and easy way to invite others to have a conversation without formally asking. Like most slang and texting abbreviations, there’s a time and a place for it and on social media is one of them.
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