Buzz
Explore the background of this acronym and discover how to incorporate "WLW" into your daily vocabulary.
If you're engaged on platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, or other social media, you’ve likely seen the hashtag #WLW. But what exactly does this acronym stand for, and why is it becoming increasingly popular? We’ve got all the details! Find out what WLW means, how to use it in your everyday language (or in your TikToks), and the history behind the term below.
Key Insights
- “WLW” refers to “women loving women.” It’s an umbrella term used to describe women who are attracted to or involved with other women, including lesbians, bisexuals, and others with different sexual orientations.
- Some women identify as WLW because they don’t want to define themselves with a more specific sexual orientation or are still exploring their own identity.
- While WLW has sometimes been labeled as “lesbian” or “homosexual,” it offers a broader, more inclusive definition, acknowledging different sexual orientations.
How to Use It
What does “WLW” represent on TikTok?
“WLW” stands for “women loving women” on TikTok and other platforms. This term is often used to describe women who are attracted to or in relationships with other women. While people who identify with this may typically be categorized as “lesbians” or “homosexual,” these labels don't always capture the full scope of attraction, especially when the person is attracted to other genders as well. Much like the term “Sapphic,” “women loving women” (or "woman-loving woman") is a broader term that encompasses various sexual orientations where women or women-presenting individuals may be drawn to other women, including lesbianism, bisexuality, and pansexuality.
- The term is often shortened to “WLW” (or #WLW in TikTok hashtags) but is sometimes pronounced “wuh-luh-wuh” (or simply as “women loving women”).
How is WLW used?
WLW is often chosen by people who don’t strictly identify with one sexual orientation. Since “WLW” is a more inclusive term, it’s commonly used by individuals who don't feel the need to identify with a specific orientation. It’s also helpful for people who haven’t yet fully figured out their sexual identity but know they are attracted to women.
- Similarly, you might use WLW to describe a woman in a relationship with another woman, without specifying her sexual orientation.
WLW is frequently used in online LGBTQ+ communities like Tumblr and TikTok. Tumblr is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly social platforms, with many users seeking connection, support, and resources related to gender and sexuality. While TikTok is newer and not as specifically focused on LGBTQ+ content, it has gained popularity among a younger audience, who are more open to discussing gender and sexuality in diverse ways compared to older generations.
- As of 2021, Tumblr reported a notable LGBTQ+ presence, claiming its users are 193% more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared to users on other platforms, with 1 in 4 users identifying as LGBTQ+.
The Origins of WLW
WLW may have its roots in 1920s African American Vernacular English. Much of today’s gay culture can be traced back to the Prohibition-era New York City ballroom scene. During the Harlem Renaissance, many queer people of color found refuge and solidarity in this hidden community. With the rise of the jazz era, lyrics like blues artist Ma Rainey’s “I don’t like no men” might have contributed to the creation of the term WLW.
- Given how taboo Sapphic relationships were at the time, particularly for women of color, the acronym may have offered a level of privacy for those who wished to keep their sexuality discreet.
