L / W definition: what "L / W" means and examples

February 10, 2026

Symbols used to categorise an outcome as either a failure or a success.

Borrowed from sports and gaming, these single letters represent success or failure. A "W" is a win, used to celebrate anything from a good grade to a tasty lunch. An "L" is a loss, used when something goes wrong or someone behaves poorly. It is a very binary way of categorising daily events. Calling someone "an L" is a mild insult suggesting they are acting in a way that is not cool or respected by the group.

Examples:

  1. "Getting the last seat on the bus was a major W."
  2. "Taking an L on that maths quiz was disappointing but I'll study more."
  3. "That's a massive W for the football team this afternoon."

We've compiled this dictionary of common teen slang to help parents communicate with their kids. SafetyMode is the world's most advanced parental safety app for phones, making any Android phone safe for kids. You can find out more and download the app just here.

Related words

A term of affirmation or agreement, similar to saying "okay," "it's on," or "I agree."

Bet definition: what "Bet" means and examples

Short for suspicious, describing someone or something that seems dishonest, shady, or "off."

Sus definition: what "Sus" means and examples

A slang term for gossip, scandalous information, or the "inside story" regarding a person or event.

Tea definition: what "Tea" means and examples

An intensifier meaning As F**k, used to add extreme emphasis to an adjective.

AF definition: what "AF" means and examples

An abbreviation for In Search Of, used when looking for specific items or people online.

ISO definition: what "ISO" means and examples

A phrase used to emphasize a statement and signal that there is no more to be said.

And That’s On definition: what "And That’s On" means and examples

Trusted by

We're proud to have the support and trust of parents...

“I felt that the safety features were really suitable for me to be able to support my child whilst using the phone. It was good that I was able to manage these.”

Jane – Mum of 11 year old

“He couldn't access restricted material and it wasn't even coming up for him due to the settings. It gave me a peace of mind as I can't police him all the time with the phone.”

Tom – Dad of 13 year old

... and the trust of experts and well known people

John Carter - App Webflow Template
Dr Jessica Barker MBE
Cyber security expert
Testimonials Stars - Apps Webflow Template

"There are few topics more important than mobile security, especially when it comes to kids"

John Carter - App Webflow Template
Hugh and Anna Grant
Parents sharing
3 children
Testimonials Stars - Apps Webflow Template

"The most important and essential new tool for parents this year"