HMU
/aitch-em-you/initialism
Meaning
HMU is an informal initialism for “hit me up,” used to ask someone to contact the writer by text, phone, direct message, or another agreed channel. It can also function as an open invitation for people to get in touch about plans, questions, opportunities, or items for sale.[1][3][4]
- 1. A direct request for someone to call, text, or message later.
- 2. An invitation to make contact about social plans, often meaning “let’s hang out” or “get back to me.”
- 3. A public call for interested people to reach out, as in a post seeking collaborators, buyers, teammates, or recommendations.
Examples
“HMU when you get home.”
“Anyone down for a late-night game? HMU.”
“I have two concert tickets—HMU if you want one.”
“HMU about the freelance gig when you know the details.”
“That cafe looks perfect. HMU next time you're in town.”
Origin and spread
HMU is a letter-by-letter shortening of the preexisting phrase “hit me up,” meaning “contact me.” The initialism became visible in online communication by 2009 and spread sharply through Facebook in 2010. Facebook’s year-end reporting described HMU as its fastest-growing status trend, with usage rising from roughly 20 posts a day in May 2009 to about 80,000 mentions a day by the end of summer 2010. The available record supports rapid circulation during that period, not a single confirmed inventor or exact first use.[2][3]
How to use it
HMU is relaxed and friendly in texts, group chats, social posts, gaming communities, and casual listings. Depending on context, it may sound like a general invitation, a request to continue a conversation, or a mildly flirty opening, but it does not inherently imply romantic interest. Use “contact me” or “please reach out” in formal or professional writing.
Sources
- 1. CBS News — “HMU” Top Facebook Status Trend of 2010Supports: meaning, earliest documented use.
- 2. AllThingsD — “Hit Me Up” Was Facebook's Breakout Slang in 2010Supports: origin, earliest documented use.
- 3. ABC News — Facebook Reveals Top Status Trends of 2010Supports: meaning, origin.
- 4. Wiktionary — HMUSupports: meaning, form.
