What Is 'YMMV'? What Does YMMV Mean?

YMMV is a slang acronym you may encounter in online messaging, text messaging, or social media. But what exactly does it stand for?  

YMMV Stands for:

Your Mileage May Vary

How YMMV Is Used

It is used as a disclaimer that results/satisfaction level might be different for every person. It is commonly used when answering technical-type questions in online conversations or when someone asks for a specific review of a product, service, or website. You will see this acronym both in uppercase (YMMV) and lowercase (ymmv) form, both meaning the same thing.

Examples of YMMV in Use

Example 1

(User 1) I need a suggestion for how to feed our two malamute dogs and our german shepherd. They are all big eaters and are all over 75 lbs each. Our GSD is allergic to chicken meal.

(User 2) I recommend taking a look at Champion brand zero-grain kibble. Orijen fish-based adult food comes in 15 lb bags. One bag should feed 3 dogs for at least 4 days.

(User 1) 4 days of feeding 3 dogs from 15 lbs?

(User 2) Yes. While YMMV, our two dogs would take 8 days to finish one bag of Orijen.

Example 2

(Xian) what gas are you using in your SUV?

(Kevin) I use Shell 93 octane fuel. It gets me around 21 miles to the gallon in the city and up to 30 mpg on the highway.

(Xian) 30 miles to the gallon? Wow.

(Kevin) Of course, YMMV. My SUV switches to 90% front-wheel drive on the highway, so that helps a lot. That Shell gas is excellent, though, try it out.

Example 3

(User 1) I'm thinking of taking the plunge and switching to a solid-state hard drive for my desktop computer. Do those things last a long time?

(User 2) Depends. YMMV with different brands and how much you are rewriting the drive. I suggest you can expect a 256 Corsair SSD hard drive to last at least 18 months.

Example 4

• If you get a cable modem, you should get around 15 megabits-per-second speed. Of course, YMMV.
• Definitely get an LCD monitor if you can afford it. While YMMV, my last LCD monitor has lasted me over 3 years, and it's still going!
• Like moahhunterin says, ymmv. Spend the time to try the product for 30 days before deciding if you want to get the extended warranty.

How to Capitalize and Punctuate Web and Texting Abbreviations

• Capitalization is a non-concern when using text message abbreviations and chat jargon. You are welcome to use all uppercase (e.g., ROFL) or all lowercase (e.g., rofl), and the meaning is identical. Avoid typing entire sentences in uppercase, though, as that means shouting in online speak.
• Proper punctuation is similarly a non-concern with most text message abbreviations. For example, the acronym for 'Too Long, Didn't Read' can be abbreviated as TL;DR or as TLDR. Both are an acceptable format, with or without punctuation.
• Never use periods (dots) between your jargon letters. It would defeat the purpose of speeding up thumb typing. For example, ROFL would never be spelled R.O.F.L., and TTYL would never be spelled T.T.Y.L. 

Recommended Etiquette for Using Web and Texting Jargon 

Knowing when to use jargon in your messaging is about knowing who your audience is, knowing if the context is informal or professional, and then using good judgment. 

If you know the people well, and it is a personal and informal communication, then absolutely use abbreviation jargon. On the flip side, if you are just starting a friendship or professional relationship with the other person, then it is a good idea to avoid abbreviations until you have developed a relationship rapport.

If the messaging is in a professional context with someone at work, or with a customer or vendor outside your company, then avoid abbreviations altogether. Using full word spellings shows professionalism and courtesy. It is much easier to err on the side of being too professional and then relax your communications over time than doing the inverse.