Hmm, K & thumbs-up: Subtle texting cues that reveal more than words

People now decode subtle digital cues in messages. Ellipses signal reluctance, a lone thumbs-up can mean disinterest. Siddhi Savoiverekar finds ‘hmm’ and capital letters off-putting. Psychotherapist Namrata Jain warns of anxiety and miscommunication. Social media linguistics, including phrases like ‘it’s giving’, shapes everyday vocabulary. This digital language reshapes how we communicate.