What Does SMH Mean on Instagram? (Complete Guide)

One thing that I have learned from Instagram is that anything in this world can have a short form. These short forms, often known as acronyms, are one of the most popular things on Instagram. One such acronym that I recently learned about is SMH. It is just like other popular slang that can be used in various conversations, comments, and even in captions. Let’s get into the guide and explore the meaning of it.

What Does SMH Mean on Instagram?

SMH stands for ‘Shaking my head’. It is the abbreviation that is generally used to express negative emotions. You can use it when you don’t agree with something or someone. This abbreviation is used to express disbelief, disappointment, and disapproval. It is generally used in the following situations:

1. Reacting to a Shocking News

There are a lot of negative things going on in the real world. On one side there are lot of people dying because of various health issues, there are places that are getting destroyed because of natural calamities. There are so many things that make us shocked every time we open Instagram. In such a case, you can add it to show that you can’t believe what is going on across us. 

2. Responding to a Failed Content

Instagram is full of new content. There are not just posts but stories and reels on it. It also has a lot of memes that keep us engaged on the platform. But it is not always possible that everything uploaded will be up to the mark. You must have seen some content that does not match the quality because of some poor decision-making. Adding SMH in it can be the best comment for it.

3. Reacting to the Negative Behavior

If you think that the content posted on Instagram has some actions that are socially or morally inappropriate, you can always use it. It will show that you are disappointed with such context. There are people who openly support the people from the wrong community. Reacting with it can be a way to show your disbelief. 

4. Expressing Frustration

When you are stuck with a feeling of frustration on Instagram, it can be a perfect way to express your emotions. You will not need to add any other words to the conversations. 

I am sure after reading so many usages, you must be wondering how to use it. Further, I have added a few examples that will help you to know how to use it in conversations.

Also, read What Does RS Mean on Instagram

Examples of Using SMH

Following are some of the examples for the usage of it:

• SMH, What will people in LA do know?
• It’s so annoying when the bus is late. SMH
• SMH at the people who mistreat the animals. 

Tips to Consider While Using SMH

Below are some of the tips that you must consider while using it:

• Never Overuse: Do you know when slang loses its value? When we overuse them. It is quite common that people nowadays are using such slang a lot. In such cases, they start losing the value making it less important. Thus, only use them where they are actually needed.
• Have a Check on the Other Person: If you are in the chat and the other person sends you something that you think is inappropriate or disapprove of, don’t stop yourself from using it. But before that, it is important to check if the other person actually knows the meaning of it. It is because if they don’t know the meaning, they are likely to misunderstand what you have said to them. This will create a lot of confusion between you both. 
• Keep the Context Clear: Context is a crucial part of a conversation. There are times when we misunderstand the other person just because the context behind its usage is unclear. Thus, having a clear context is very important. 
• Use Constructive Feedback: Never just use it in critical situations alone. Stay ready with constructive feedback. It is important to put feedback with it, especially when you are commenting on a post or the reel on Instagram. This doesn’t make you look rude to the other person. 

Also, read What Does WTD Mean on Instagram

Different Variations of SMH 

There are three different variations in which SMH are used:

With an Emoji

The most common variation of SMH is to use it along with the woman facepalming emoji. When you add it in the conversation or the comment section, it generally means that you are emphasizing more on the reaction. You can also add different emojis to represent different emotions. 

Major/Extreme SMH

When you add this variation in the context it shows the extreme disappointment with the other person. It also represents that you highly disapprove of something done by someone else. 

Using SMH after SMH

Another interesting way to show your disappointment can be by adding it one after another multiple times. This is again a way to show strong distress due to unexpected things. 

How to Respond to SMH?

Here are a few responses that you can make when you get SMH in the conversation:

• Seriously?
• Yes, Me too!
• Nodding My Head
• Unbothered

Please note that choosing the reply depends upon the situation of the conversation. If there is something seriously going on, replying with a casual statement can be a problem.

Conclusion

SMH stands for Shaking My Head on Instagram. It is an abbreviation generally used to show negative emotions or express disbelief and disapproval of others. You can use it in different situations: to react to something shocking, respond to failed content on Instagram, express frustration, and much more. However, when you use it, make sure the context is clear and the other person also knows its meaning.

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