143 means "I love you," a numerical code originating from the number of letters in each word of the phrase.
Origin and Explanation
The use of 143 as a stand-in for "I love you" gained popularity during the pager era in the 1990s. It provided a quick and discreet way to communicate affection. The numerical representation is straightforward:
- 1: Represents the single letter in the word "I."
- 4: Represents the four letters in the word "Love."
- 3: Represents the three letters in the word "You."
Therefore, 1 + 4 + 3 = I Love You.
Significance
This numerical code provided a concise and sometimes secretive method for expressing love, particularly in situations where direct verbal communication was not feasible or desired. It's a simple yet effective way to convey affection using basic numbers.