What Does “ML” Mean? (Plus, When & How to Use It)

Download Article

Express love and affection with this sweet slang term

Co-authored by Bailey Cho

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• What does “ML” mean in text?
|
• Uses
|
• Responses
|
• Origin
|
• Alternative Meanings
|
• Related Slang

|Show more |Show less

You may have seen “ML” over text and social media, but what exactly does it mean? This popular abbreviation means “my love” or “much love,” depending on the context of the conversation. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about this loving term, including its various meanings, uses, and related slang terms.

“ML” Meanings & Usage

The abbreviation “ML” stands for “my love” or “much love.” Use “ML” (“my love”) as an affectionate nickname for a friend, family member, or romantic partner. If you want to end a conversation on a positive note, use “ML” (“much love”) as a casual sign-off.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

What does “ML” mean in text?

Download Article

1. 
   1
   “ML” stands for “my love” over text and social media. It’s a sweet term of endearment that people use in messages or on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and more to show love toward their friend, family member, or romantic partner. If someone calls you “ML,” take it as a compliment—it means they absolutely adore you!

   • “ML” is a slang term, so reserve it for casual conversations with close loved ones.
2. 
   2
   The abbreviation “ML” is also short for “much love.” It’s a warm and affectionate sign-off that people place at the end of their message. If someone sends a quick text ending with “ML,” think of it as their way of telling you “take care” or “best wishes.”

   • Since “ML” is a slang term, save it for casual exchanges with friends and family members. In a formal setting, closings like “sincerely” or “warm regards” are more appropriate.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 6:

When & How to Use “ML”

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Use “ML” to show love to a close friend, family member, or partner. If you want to let someone know how much they mean to you, call them “ML” (“my love”). It’s an affectionate nickname to make them feel valued and appreciated, whether you’re in a platonic or romantic relationship with them.

   • “You’re my everything, ML ❤️”
   • “Thanks for the compliment, ML 💓”
   • “I’m obsessed with your outfit, ML 🤩🤩🤩”
2. 
   2
   Sign off with “ML” to end a casual conversation with loved ones. If you have to leave the chat, text “ML” (“much love”) to end the conversation on a positive note. It’s a sweeter way of saying “goodbye” because it implies you’re sending the other person your love and support.

   • “Take care, ML 💘”
   • “I have to go, but it was so great to catch up! ML 🫶”
   • “Thanks for listening to me 🥹 I need to attend an appointment, but we’ll talk soon! ML 🫂”
Advertisement

Section 3 of 6:

How to Respond to “ML”

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Reply with another term of endearment to express your affection. If someone calls you “ML” (“my love”), respond with another affectionate nickname like “babe,” “boo,” or “sweetheart.” It’s a great way to convey love and gratitude, or playfully flirt with your crush.

   • Them: “You look gorgeous, ML!”
     You: “You do too, boo 😘”
   • Them: “I appreciate you, ML ❤️”
     You: “Aw, thanks babe 💋”
2. 
   2
   Respond with a casual sign-off to acknowledge the end of the chat. If someone texts “ML” (“much love”) to end a conversation, reply with a simple goodbye message like “bye,” “peace,” or “talk to you later.” Or, send a waving hand emoji to confirm you got their text.

   • Them: “I’m so glad we caught up! ML 🌹”
     You: “Same, let’s meet up in person soon 👋”
   • Them: “Have an amazing date, and don’t forget to spill all the tea 👀 ML 💌”
     You: “Of course, thank you! TTYL ✌️”
Advertisement

Section 4 of 6:

Origin of “ML”

Download Article

1. 
   Abbreviations like “ML” became popular in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. While the exact origin of “ML” is unclear, texting slang became common with the rise of pagers and mobile phones. Short abbreviations helped people communicate more quickly and efficiently, especially if their device had limited space for messages.

Section 5 of 6:

Alternative Meanings of “ML”

Download Article

1. 
   1
   “Machine learning” “ML” may stand for “machine learning,” which is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science that focuses on giving computers the ability to learn without specific programming. It’s an exciting new technology that’s starting to power many services and applications that humans rely on every day.
2. 
   2
   “Milliliter” If only the second letter is capitalized (“mL”), the abbreviation refers to a measure of volume in the metric system. One thousand milliliters is the equivalent of one liter.
3. 
   3
   “My life” or “more life” Over text and social media, “ML” could be short for “my life” or “more life.” People typically use the phrase “my life” when talking about things that are happening in their personal lives. “More life” is a Jamaican slang phrase that’s used to wish someone well, and it’s also the title of the fifth mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake.
4. 
   4
   “Moneyline” In the sports betting and gambling world, the abbreviation “ML” refers to a “moneyline” bet. It’s a traditional bet on which team or player will win the game. Simply put, if you place a bet on the winning side, you’ll get paid.
5. 
   5
   “Major League” Less commonly, the abbreviation “ML” may stand for “Major League.” This is the highest-ranking league in a specific game or professional sport, which usually refers to Major League Baseball (MLB).
6. 
   6
   “Mobile Legends” If you’re talking to a gamer, “ML” might be short for “Mobile Legends,” a multiplayer battle arena game similar to League of Legends. It was released in 2016 by Moonton and became immensely popular in Southeast Asia.
Advertisement

Section 6 of 6:

Related Slang Abbreviations & Acronyms

Download Article

1. 
   1
   “MH” If you’re in a relationship, use “MH” as a sweet nickname for your other half. It means “my heart,” and it’s used to communicate love and admiration toward your partner. It can also be used in a more lighthearted manner if you find something cute or adorable.

   • “Can’t wait to see you, MH 💗”
   • “MH can’t take it! Your baby girl is so precious 🥹”
   • “MH! You look even more beautiful without any makeup on 🥰”
2. 
   2
   “BBY” This popular term of endearment stands for “baby,” which can be used to describe a friend, crush, or romantic partner. Refer to someone as your “BBY” to make them feel cared for and give them all the butterflies!

   • “How is everything, BBY?”
   • “BBY, are you free to grab dinner tomorrow?”
   • “I love you, BBY. Thank you for being so patient with me 💘”
3. 
   3
   “LOML” This romantic term stands for “love of my life,” and is used as a nickname for a soulmate or twin flame. Calling someone the “LOML” means you have strong feelings for them and that you love them more than anyone else in the world.

   • “I think Dave’s the one. He’s seriously the LOML!”
   • “You’re actually the LOML 😍 I can’t imagine my life without you!”
   • “You’re proof that true love exists. Thank you for being the LOML 💞”
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!