What ASH Stands for in a Text and on TikTok, Snapchat & More

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Decoding this slang term (plus how to use it)

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: September 27, 2023 References

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ASH Meanings

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Responding to ASH

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Other Definitions

While texting with friends or scrolling on social media, you might see people type “ash.” This popular slang phrase is usually used as an abbreviation for “as hell,” though it can also mean “ashamed” or stand for “As Savage As Hell.” Keep reading to learn what these 3 little letters mean and how to respond to “ash” in texts and on TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms!

Things You Should Know

“Ash” means “as hell” in texts and on social media. People use it to emphasize their feelings.
In texts and online, “ash” can also be an abbreviation for “ashamed” if someone’s feeling embarrassed or remorseful about their actions.
On TikTok, “ASH” can stand for “As Savage As Hell.” People might comment “ASH” when they see a video that’s impressive, daring, or difficult to do.

Section 1 of 3:

Meanings of ASH in Texts and on Social Media

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“Ash” means “as hell” in texts and on social media. Sending “ash” is similar to saying “very” or “so.” So, text “as hell” to emphasize your message or stress how you feel to your friends.^{[1]
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Research source} You might use “ash” to flirt with your crush and let them know they’re looking good, reassure your friend you had an amazing time at their party, or to vent and get out your feelings.
- “You look good ash in that dress! 😍🔥 I can’t wait to see you later.”
- “Your party was fun ash! 🥳 I’ve never danced that much in my life!”
- “I’m mad ash 😡 Silas forgot to pick me up from the airport and now I’m stuck.”
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“Ash” can also be an abbreviation for “ashamed” in texts and online. Sometimes, “ash” means you’re feeling sorry, regretful, or remorseful about something you did. If you upset a friend and you’re feeling guilty, text them to genuinely apologize. Adding an “ash” to your message shows them that you feel embarrassed about your actions and recognize how you made them feel. Then, make it clear to them that you’ll change and won’t upset them again.^{[2]
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- “Hey, I’m ash that I yelled at you yesterday 😔 I’m so sorry, how can I make it up to you?”
- “I’m sorry I flaked on our plans yesterday 🫤 I’m so ash at myself, can you forgive me?”
- “I know I put you in a tough spot by forgetting to pay you back and I’m really sorry 😓 I’m ash it took me this long, but I’m sending you what I owe right now.”
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On TikTok, “ASH” stands for “As Savage As Hell.” Savage is a slang term that means someone or something is awesome, impressive, wild, or ruthless. For instance, you might call a friend savage for doing a backflip into a lake or call their insult savage because it cut you deep.^{[3]
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Research source} When you’re scrolling on TikTok and see a video that’s amazing or sick beyond belief, leave an “ASH” in the comments. This lets the creator know that you think they’re inspiring and tough, which they’ll definitely appreciate!
- “That final spin off the half-pipe was ASH! 🤩 You make skateboarding look easy.”
- “You look ASH in that leather jacket 😍 Where’d you get it?”
- “You’re ASH! 😤 You do what you want and don’t listen to what anyone else says.”
- If you’ve done something savage, post your own video on TikTok and tag it as #ASH!

Section 2 of 3:

Responding to ASH

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Validate your friend's feelings when they send you “as hell.” When your pal sends you a text with “ash” in it, they want you to know that they feel strongly about what they’re saying, whether it’s positive or negative. Take a moment to read through their text, then respond back empathetically. For example, if they’re excited about your upcoming trip together, message them back that you can’t wait to go, too. If they’re bored, sympathize with them and then make plans to hang out.
- Your friend: “I’m excited ash for our trip to Fiji! 😆 Next month can’t come soon enough.“
  You: “Me too!! I’m literally counting down the days. 😝”
- Your friend: “There’s nothing to do at home. I’m bored ash 🥱”
  You: “I feel you 😴 Wanna come over and hang out?”
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Thank your friend for apologizing if they’re ashamed of their behavior. If a friend sends you “ash” to let you know that they regret their actions and are sorry for hurting you, accept their apology. Tell them that you appreciate them texting you and explain why they upset you. Then, if you’re ready, text them that you want to move on and continue your friendship.^{[4]
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Research source}
- Your friend: “I’m feeling really ash that I upset you 😞 I’m so sorry and I promise I won’t hurt you ever again.”
  You: “Thank you for saying sorry. I was really hurt that you’d diss me like that in front of our friends. I know you were stressed out, so I'd like to move past this now.”
- Your friend: “I’m sorry that I lied to you about my plans yesterday 😔 I don’t know what came over me and I’m really ash about how I acted.”
  You: “I appreciate the apology and really needed to hear that. I was upset that you felt like you couldn’t tell me the truth. Moving forward, please be open and honest with me.”
- Before accepting an apology, reflect if you feel like it’s genuine and if you’re ready to accept it. If you’re still feeling hurt, let your friend know that you need time to process what they did. Or, text them that you want to talk it out in person.
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Accept someone’s compliment if they called you “As Savage As Hell.” When a friend or someone online leaves “ASH” on your TikTok video (or messages you on another social media platform), they’re telling you that they think you’re cool, awesome, or fearless. So, take their compliment! All you have to do is respond to their comment with a simple, “Thank you.”
- Your friend: “These lyrics are ASH 🔥🔥 I’ve been listening to your new song on repeat.”
  You: “Thank you! I’ve been working on this track for a while, so I’m glad you like it! 😊”
- Your friend: “Your boxing skills are ASH! 🤯 I wouldn’t want to be your opponent.”
  You: “Haha I appreciate it! My trainer has definitely been working me overtime 🥊”

Section 3 of 3:

Other Definitions of ASH

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“Ash” or “ashy” can refer to dry skin. “Ashy” is African American Vernacular English (AAVE) slang that describes how dry skin can look white or gray on people with darker skin tones, though anyone can have ashy, dry skin.^{[5]
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Research source} If you’re texting a friend about getting ready for an event, they might tell you they’re in desperate need of lotion because their legs are looking dull, cracked, and ashy.
- “My legs look so ashy 😫 Can you bring some lotion before we head into the party?”
- “This cold weather is making me so ashy 😒 I can’t wait for summer.”
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“Ash” can sometimes mean “annoyed.” When your friend is feeling bothered about something, they might vent to you that they’re “ash” about not getting a text back from their crush or about all of the homework they have left to do. These 3 little letters are letting you know that they’re annoyed and want to vent.
- “I haven’t heard back from Diego yet and it’s been 2 hours. I’m so ash at him 🙄😑”
- “Ugh I’m so ash about all this homework we got assigned 😠 I have better things to do than solve math problems!”