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What Do Three Asterisks Mean in Texting?

Published in Texting Symbols 3 mins read

In texting, three asterisks (*) most commonly signify an omission, a pause, or a break in thought**, often used to censor a word, indicate a trailing off, or create dramatic effect. This symbol carries a versatility that allows it to convey nuances beyond simple text.

Understanding the Core Meanings of (***)

The use of three asterisks in digital communication draws parallels from traditional typography, where a series of three marks is often employed to denote an intentional omission or a significant break within a written work. In texting, this versatile symbol adapts to several common contexts:

1. Omission or Censorship

One of the most frequent uses of three asterisks is to replace words that are deemed inappropriate, offensive, or simply unnecessary to explicitly state.

  • Replacing Profanity: Similar to how asterisks are used in print, *** can stand in for expletives.
    • Example: "That was a fing terrible day." becomes "That was a fing terrible day."
  • Concealing Sensitive Information: Sometimes, it's used to hide parts of a name, a number, or other private details.
    • Example: "I saw Mr. S***th today."

2. Pause or Trailing Thought

The symbol can indicate a moment of hesitation, deep thought, or an incomplete idea, mirroring the function of an ellipsis but often with a stronger sense of abruptness or finality.

  • Dramatic Pause: To build suspense or emphasize a statement.
    • Example: "You won't believe what happened next...***"
  • Incomplete Idea: Signifying that a thought has trailed off, or the speaker is unsure how to continue.
    • Example: "I thought about it, but...***"
  • Emotional Weight: Conveying a sigh, a moment of reflection, or even exasperation.
    • Example: "Well, that's just typical.***"

3. Unstated Implication or Hidden Meaning

Three asterisks can hint at something without explicitly stating it, inviting the recipient to infer the hidden message or context.

  • Inside Jokes: Alluding to a shared secret or a common experience.
    • Example: "Remember that night? ***"
  • Subtle Threat or Warning: Suggesting consequences without directly articulating them.
    • Example: "You really shouldn't have done that. ***"

Practical Contexts and Nuances

The interpretation of three asterisks often depends heavily on the context of the conversation and the relationship between the texters.

  • Informal vs. Formal: While common in informal texting, using three asterisks in professional or formal communication is generally discouraged as it can appear unprofessional or unclear.
  • Emotional Tone: Depending on the surrounding text, *** can convey frustration, amusement, sadness, or surprise.
  • Misinterpretation: Because its meaning can be fluid, it's possible for the symbol to be misinterpreted if the context isn't clear or if the texters have different understandings of its use.

Quick Reference Table: Three Asterisks Meanings

Meaning Explanation Example
Censorship/Omission Replacing profanity, sensitive words, or indicating intentionally left-out text. "What the f was that?!" or "He said something really inappropriate about you, and I was like, 'Wow, that's just...'"
Pause/Break in Thought Signifies hesitation, deep thought, a dramatic pause, or an abrupt end to a statement. "I'm not sure what to do next..." or "That's it. I'm done."
Unstated Implication/Hint Used to allude to something without explicitly saying it, often inviting the recipient to infer. "You know what I mean, right? " or "I heard something interesting about him..."

Understanding these nuances helps in both interpreting and effectively using three asterisks in your digital conversations.