English

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Etymology

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Originates from a cliché expression used by live streamers, especially those on Twitch, to request that chat (the entirety of users, viewed collectively, in a chat room, especially the chat room accompanying a live stream) type w (successful, admirable, excellent, good) into the chatbox in response to something positive or favourable; now used figuratively. Ultimately from w (abbreviation of win), in-turn from W (as a sports statistic, abbreviation of wins).

Compare figurative F in the chat (an expression of condolences, sympathy or regret), smash that like button (requests the viewer to like, upvote or favourite the video, live stream, post or photograph in question) and hit the bell icon (requests a viewer to follow one's account).

Noun

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W in the chat (plural Ws in the chat or W's in the chat)

  1. (chiefly Internet slang) An expression of victory: excitement, happiness, amazement.

Interjection

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W in the chat

  1. (chiefly Internet slang) Congratulations; well done.