Technology does a great job of keeping people connected but also introduces some gray areas in communication. The use of slang acronyms has spread across texting, social media platforms, and occasionally email, making communication faster. But some people need clarification. For example, what does HYU mean in texting?
HYU is an acronym for āhit you up,ā meaning to contact a person at a later time. This short form of a slang phrase is used when someone is too busy to continue a text conversation. The phrase is used in a light-hearted manner with a friendly tone.
Although acronyms like HYU, HMU, and HRU make modern communication more manageable, they confuse some people like me. I had to look up these acronyms when my teenager sent them to me. So, to break down this communication barrier, Iām detailing what these terms mean.Ā Ā

What Does HYU Mean?
As mentioned, HYU stands for hit you up. Itās used to promise another person youāll get in touch with them. Itās synonymous with āIāll message you,ā āIāll call you,ā or any other version of youāll get in touchĀ later.Ā
It hints to the recipient that you want to catch up and talk more with them, but you donāt have time now. However, unlike ācall meā or ātext me,ā HYU is universal and includes different methods of communication.
When itās used in a conversation, it may look something like this:
Taylor: I had a great time today. When can I see you again?
Sandra: Thanks, me too. Iāll HYU when Iām in town again. But I donāt know when that will be.Ā
The key to āhit you upā is that itās friendly and informal, having a positive connotation. This is the same for the reverse phrase HMU.
What Does HMU Mean?
HMU stands for āhit me up.āĀ
Itās similar to HYU from earlier but from the other personās perspective.Ā
If a friend tells you HMU, theyāreĀ inviting you to contact them. You could call, email, or text them at a later time or date thatās undetermined (itās up to you). Again, this is used informally and between good friends.Ā Ā
You can find HMU use in social networks, online chats, texting, and internet memes. You likely wonāt see it used in emails.Ā
HMU use in a conversation could look like this:
Mary: Been a while since weāve hung out.Ā
Caleb: Iāve been swamped with work lately.
Mary: Iād love to hang out on Saturday.
Caleb: Sorry, Iām out of town this week.
Mary: No problem, HMU when youāre back.
Caleb: Cool.
Although HMU is often used to request another person to get in touch when they can,Ā people use it in other situations.
Since HMU is an open invitation to contact back, it can be used when flirting. Texting it opens the door for the other person to keep the conversation going, but just a little later. You can also use it inĀ dating apps, where you may come across a profile description like āHMU if you love piƱa colada and love dancing in the rain.ā
HMU can also be used to ask for suggestions. For instance, if youāre new to a city and are looking for a good bar, you may put this up āWhereās a good place to have a good time and a drink? HMU with great suggestions.ā

Where Did HMU Come From?
Some people attribute the growth of āhit me upā to pagers in the 1990s (which makes me feel old). While early pagers could only receive numeric pages, later versions, just before cell phones became widespread, allowed the receipt of a minimal number of alphanumeric characters.Ā
But the truth is that the actual origin of the abbreviation isnāt known. Like other acronyms, HMU appeared, and people like me are just late using it.
Using HMU in Texts
Text is the most common place youāll find other people using HMU and other acronyms. Although there arenāt strict spelling rules, there are variations youāll come across.Ā
- HMU ā using thisĀ acronym alone and in capital letters communicates a sense of urgencyĀ in your contact request
- hmu ā lowercase within other text comes across as laid-back and casual
- HMU at the end or beginning of your message is best if you donāt want to risk being misunderstood.Ā
What Does HRU Mean?
The confusing bit about this acronym is that the second and third letters of this short slang are not acronyms. Instead, R and U are slang terms that sound like āareā and āyou.ā
Its use in texts is like in face-to-face conversations. Itās a friendly way of greeting someone and showing interest in their lives.Ā
A question mark may not follow it, but itās a question.
Examples of HRU:
Mandy: Hey, hru?
Lily: Great. Just chilling.Ā
Overall, chatting with an acquaintance or friend online differs from real life. Add fun to the experience by throwing in some interesting acronyms, GIFs, and emojis.Ā
Just remember to use it with someone whoād understand what you mean, lest you experience a communication breakdown or confuse 40-something-year-olds like me.