Have you ever seen text with a line going through it and wondered what it actually means? You’re not alone. The strikethrough meaning confuses a lot of people, especially when it shows up in chats, social media posts, or online comments. At first glance, it looks like a mistake — but in modern internet culture, it’s usually very intentional. Updated for 2026, this guide explains what strikethrough means in text, how people use it in chats, and why it’s become a powerful tool for humor, sarcasm, and self-correction online. Whether you’re new to internet slang or just want to avoid awkward misunderstandings, this article will clear everything up.
What Does “Strikethrough Meaning” Mean in Chat or Text?
In simple terms, strikethrough is text that has a horizontal line running through it, like this:
I totally didn’t forget your birthday
Core Strikethrough Meaning
In chat and online writing, strikethrough usually means:
Something was “said” but taken back
A joke or sarcastic correction
An honest thought that’s being half-hidden
A playful way to show change of mind
Instead of deleting words, people keep them visible but crossed out to show what they almost said or used to think.
Different Meanings Based on Context
The strikethrough meaning in chat can change depending on tone and platform:
Humor: Showing an awkward or funny thought
Sarcasm: Saying something while pretending not to
Correction: Fixing a mistake without hiding it
Passive honesty: Revealing the “real” thought underneath
Brief Origin of Strikethrough Online
Originally, strikethrough came from editing and proofreading, where editors crossed out incorrect text. As online forums, blogs, and markdown formatting became popular, users started using strikethrough creatively.
Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and forums helped turn it into a tone indicator — a way to show intent when plain text felt too flat.
How People Use “Strikethrough Meaning” in Real Conversations
Strikethrough isn’t just about formatting — it’s about attitude.
Common Platforms Where Strikethrough Is Used
You’ll often see strikethrough in:
Text messages
Instagram captions and comments
Twitter/X posts
Discord servers
Reddit threads
Forums and blog comments
Gaming chats
Dating app bios and messages
When It Feels Natural
Strikethrough works best when:
You want to be funny or self-aware
You’re correcting yourself casually
You’re softening criticism
You’re showing honesty without being too blunt
Example:
I love waking up early
said no one ever
When It Can Feel Awkward
Strikethrough can feel weird or confusing when:
Used in serious or professional messages
Overused in one message
The reader doesn’t understand internet tone
The joke relies too heavily on sarcasm
In formal emails or work chats, strikethrough may come across as unprofessional unless the culture is very relaxed.
Real-Life Examples of “Strikethrough Meaning” in Text Messages
Below are realistic chat-style examples with explanations so you fully understand how strikethrough works.
Example 1: Playful Honesty
I’ll be there in 5 minutes
30
Meaning:
The sender admits they’re running late, but in a funny, honest way.
Example 2: Sarcasm
This meeting could’ve been an email
a meme
Meaning:
They’re jokingly criticizing the meeting without sounding aggressive.
Example 3: Self-Correction
Let’s meet on Friday
Thursday
Meaning:
A quick correction without deleting the original message.
Example 4: Awkward Truth
I miss you
when I’m bored
Meaning:
The crossed-out text hints at the “real” thought for comedic effect.
Example 5: Internet Humor
I’m totally productive today
scrolling nonstop
Meaning:
The strikethrough exposes what they’re actually doing.
Common Mistakes & Misunderstandings
Despite being popular, strikethrough is still misunderstood.
Confusing Strikethrough With Deletion
Mistake: Thinking strikethrough means the text should be ignored.
Reality: It’s meant to be read — that’s the whole point.
Misreading Tone
Strikethrough often signals:
Humor
Irony
Light sarcasm
But without context, some readers may take it literally or miss the joke.
Using It in the Wrong Context
Avoid using strikethrough in:
Job applications
Legal or official messages
Serious emotional conversations
Customer complaints
What’s funny to one person can feel careless to another.
Assuming Everyone Understands It
Not all users — especially beginners or non-native English speakers — understand strikethrough meaning in text. If clarity matters, say it directly.
Related Slangs & Abbreviations
If you’re learning modern chat language, these terms often appear alongside strikethrough usage:
/s – Indicates sarcasm
JK – Just kidding
IMO / IMHO – In my (humble) opinion
Low-key / High-key – Hidden vs obvious feelings
Dead – Something extremely funny
Oops – Casual acknowledgment of a mistake
These are great opportunities for internal linking if you’re building a slang or texting glossary.
Why Strikethrough Is So Popular Online
Strikethrough adds human tone to text-only communication. It lets people:
Show personality
Avoid sounding too serious
Express honesty safely
Create humor without emojis
In a world where tone is hard to read, strikethrough works like a wink in text form.
SEO Quick Answer Box (For Skimmers)
Strikethrough meaning slang:
Strikethrough is used to show a crossed-out thought that the writer wants you to notice anyway, often for humor, sarcasm, or correction.
What does strikethrough mean in text?
It usually signals a joke, a change of mind, or an honest thought being playfully “taken back.”
Strikethrough in chat:
A tone tool used to make messages feel more human, casual, and expressive.
FAQs
What does strikethrough mean in texting?
It usually shows a joke, correction, or sarcastic thought that the sender wants the reader to see.
Is strikethrough rude?
Not usually. It depends on context. Among friends, it’s playful. In formal settings, it can seem unprofessional.
Why not just delete the text instead of using strikethrough?
Because strikethrough adds meaning — it shows what the person almost said or used to think.
Does strikethrough always mean sarcasm?
No. It can also mean correction, honesty, or humor without sarcasm.
Is strikethrough considered internet slang?
It’s more of a stylistic internet convention than a slang word, but it functions similarly in chat culture.
Conclusion
To sum it up, strikethrough meaning in modern chat is all about expression. It’s not an error — it’s a tool. People use it to joke, correct themselves, hint at honesty, or add personality to plain text. If you ever see crossed-out words online, remember: they’re meant to be read, not ignored. Once you understand the tone, strikethrough becomes one of the most relatable features of internet communication. What’s your favorite chat abbreviation? Drop it in the comments!