What Does 'DH' Stand For?

DH is an acronym used in social media and text messages

DH is an internet slang term that first appeared in forums but eventually spread to messages, email, and social media sites. Read to learn what DH may stand for, depending on the context.

Meanings of DH

DH commonly stands for "dear husband" or "darling husband." Usually, this is a form of written affection used by wives on the internet when referring to their spouses. The "dear" is sometimes interpreted as sarcastic, in which case you'd need to know the sender or situation well to distinguish between the meanings.

Examples include:

  • "My DH should be back from the store in a minute."
  • "DH and I are visiting Oregon this summer."
  • "My former DH is driving me nuts."

Other Relationship Acronyms

Similar family acronyms include:

Other common relationship acronyms are:

  • BF (Boyfriend)
  • GF (Girlfriend)
  • BFF (Best Friends, Forever)

When to Use Internet Acronyms

DH, like other internet acronyms, is appropriate for use in forums, social media sites, personal texts, and casual messages between family and friends. However, don't use acronyms in business communications of any kind. The recipient may not understand the meaning, and the usage of unfamiliar acronyms is considered to be unprofessional in business communications.

Some internet acronyms have crossed into our spoken language. You may hear a teen mention her BFF or a mother refer to her daughter as her DD in a conversation. These acronyms and others joined the ubiquitous LOL (laughing out loud) and OMG (oh my god) in the spoken language.