SMH

SMH is a common way to express disapproval, disagreement, or dumbfoundedness, similar to the facepalm term and emoji. People often use it in messages and online, especially on social sites like Twitter and Reddit.

SMH comes from the muted reaction to something so atrocious, disappointing, surprising, or stupid (typically brain farts) that you can't find the words to describe it; all you can do is shake your head. For example, if your brother texts you that he locked his keys in the car for the second time today and needs you to pick him up, you might respond with, "SMH. Be there in 10."

Origin of SMH

The origin of the slang term "SMH" is unclear, but it dates back to the early 2000s when texting and Internet chatting exploded in popularity. Its use then grew exponentially in the early 2010s on social media. Now, it's become one of the most common slang terms for saying, "I disagree," "I can't believe it," or "Not again..."

When perplexed, a person may use "SMH" or "<SMH>" to communicate their confusion. It comes from the actual action of scratching your head, which some people subconsciously do when puzzled.

For example, your dad may text you, "SMH trying to figure out where the leak is coming from." Or, a person may post in a forum online, "Anyone know why my laptop's battery is no longer charging. SMH."

SMH also stands for "shaking my head," which is the more common use of the acronym. However, people typically use this when showing disapproval, not confusion.

SMH is shorthand for metaphorically smashing your hand to your forehead. People often use it when messaging online, such as in social media DMs or when texting.

The most common use of SMH is when people are frustrated, whether with themselves or someone else. For example, you might text something stupid (probably due to a brain fart) and then follow up with, "smh, I'm dumb. forget what i just sent."

Or, your friend may complain about his dad's mannerisms, "he's always leaving the light on even tho he was always lecturing us on that. smh." While similar in meaning and usage, people more commonly use SMH to mean "shaking my head."