Teen Slang · Online & texting

What does “Moot / Mutual” mean?

Someone you follow who follows you back online — a 'mutual'. 'Moots' is the affectionate short form.

Where “Moot / Mutual” comes from

Twitter/Tumblr community term for reciprocal follows, shortened to 'moot' in the 2020s.

Why teens actually say it

Names online friendships that may be close but exist entirely on a platform.

What it means for you as a parent

Worth understanding: a 'moot' may be a stranger your teen has never met. A natural opening for online-safety talks.

How it’s used

  • “One of my moots posted the same meme, we’re twins.” Warm about an online friend who follows back. Feeling connected.
  • “She’s not my friend irl, just a mutual.” Clarifying an online-only acquaintance. Casual, no big deal.

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