Today, billions of people use different social media applications for several reasons. Whether it’s fun, work or anything in between. Keeping abreast of trends and new features has become essential.

If you have been very active on social media, you must have observed many acronyms and slang expressions that will tax your brain and take you some time to figure them out.

Short answer: KYS stands for Kill Yourself. It can also have other meanings, such as Know Your Status and Know Your Stuff.

We’ve all been caught in this annoying loop where we try to understand and follow a discussion trying to deduce the exact meaning of a particular acronym.

Do not worry anymore ! This article will help you explain the meaning of one of the most popular acronyms used on Instagram: KYS.

What exactly does KYS mean on Instagram?

On Instagram and many other social media, the acronym KYS stands for “Kill Yourself”. Yes, it is as simple as that.

Although it sounds like a “kiss” when pronounced directly. However, it is an instruction with the same meaning as “die”. As perverted as it sounds, the word originated from a joke between friends, when someone made an ignorant remark online.

Who invented the acronym KYS?

The origin of the acronym or acronym, KYS, dates back to 2003 on the Urban Dictionary website. Launched in 1999, the Urban Dictionary is an online dictionary of publicly sourced slang words and phrases.

The Urban Dictionary was intended to be a dictionary of slang or cultural words and expressions not generally found in standard dictionaries. Today, it has millions of words and expressions with its definitions.

In 2014, the dictionary had over seven million definitions, with 2000 new entries added daily. As of July 2020, the Urban Dictionary had over 12 million definitions.

When is KYS used on Instagram?

Teenagers use KYS in text messages on social media (Instagram) and sometimes use it to taunt or bully people. It is often posted as a humorous retort to an ignorant comment. KYS is therefore mainly used by teenagers, and more particularly by men.

It is also used when there is a long argument or discussion between you and someone else, at a time when you feel like the discussion is going nowhere.

It is mainly used as an exclamation to express feelings rather than the meaning it gives itself – “to die”. That doesn’t mean you’re going to kick the bucket.

Is using KYS on Instagram safe?

Knowledge is good, but applying it is better. Understanding when to use the acronym KYS, how to use it, who to use it with, and the context in which it is used is crucial.

As mentioned earlier, it is mostly used among teenagers on Instagram and other social media. Using it with your friends so they immediately deduce what you mean is the best option.

Instagram punishes its users for objectionable behavior such as hate speech or symbols, bullying or harassment, as well as nudity or sexual activity. There is no specific penalty for attacking your friend with the acronym KYS.

Again, be sure to use it with friends who will immediately understand what you mean.

Summary

With hundreds of slang, acronyms, and initials being used on Instagram and many other social media outlets, understanding their meaning and flowing into chat couldn’t be more important these days.

This article helps explain the meaning of one of the most used acronyms on social media – KYS. Its origin, purpose and use.

FAQs

What does KYS mean in a good way?

In another context, KYS stands for “Know Your Status”. It is used when referring specifically to a person’s HIV status. This definition is used in YourDictionary.

What does KYS mean in the business world?

There are several acronyms for KYS with meanings. Those most often used in the business world are: “Know Your Stuff” and “Key Size”.

Is the meaning of KYS different on Snapchat?

KYS is popularly used in all social media as “Kill Yourself”. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok (to name a few) all use this meaning. It is also used in particular on instant messaging applications such as Whatsapp.

Do “KYS” and “Kiss” have the same meaning on Instagram?

Contrary to popular belief, “KYS” and “Kiss” do not have the same meaning. Many people pronounce “KYS” as “Kiss” only to create some kind of confusion among social media users.