DM stands for direct message, a private message on social media. It names both the message itself (I got a DM) and the action (DM me, meaning send me a private message). People use it on social media, in messaging apps and in work chats.
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dm + person (dm me); send + person + a dm; in my dms; check your dms
- dm me the address, I don't want to post it in the group chat.
- I sent you a dm about the concert tickets, check it when you can.
- My dms are open if anyone has questions about moving to Berlin.
What changed
First versionIf you want the recipe, write me in direct.
RevisionIf you want the recipe, dm me.
In English, direct on its own isn't used to mean private messages, so write me in direct sounds wrong. The whole phrase is replaced with the short dm me.
A DM is a message inside a social network or messaging app. If you're texting by phone, people say text me, and by email, email me: Text me when you land. The neutral verb for every case is message: I'll message you the details. In an email to a teacher and in an IELTS essay, write private message, and in Speaking say I messaged him on Instagram.
Your turn
Please don't ask about prices in the comments, just ___ me and I'll send you the full list.
Show the answer
dm — The seller doesn't want to discuss prices in public and asks people to write privately, which is dm. Tag me means marking someone in a post or comment, which is public again, while the seller will only send the list in a private message.
You're selling a bike on social media. Write a comment under your post asking buyers to message you privately, and say what information they need to send.
The bike is still for sale, dm me your postcode and I'll tell you the delivery price.
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