DW stands for don't worry. It's how people reassure each other in texts: someone apologises for being late or fears they've let you down, and you reply dw. The tone is friendly and caring.
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dw + about it; dw, + reassurance (dw, I've got it); sorry! → dw
- dw about the money, you can pay me back next week.
- A: sorry, I'm running late! B: dw, the film hasn't started yet.
- dw, I'll feed the cat while you're away.
What changed
First versionDear Mr Collins, dw, your order will arrive on Monday.
RevisionDear Mr Collins, please don't worry, your order will arrive on Monday.
The email starts with Dear Mr Collins, so it's business correspondence. A chat abbreviation looks careless there, and the client may wonder how seriously you're taking their order. The full phrase with please sounds polite and really does reassure.
The similar no worries works as a reply both to thanks and to an apology: Thanks for the lift! — No worries. Dw is more specifically reassurance: nothing bad has happened, everything's under control. Out loud, people say it in full: Don't worry, I've got it. You can say that in IELTS Speaking too, but an essay has room for neither the abbreviation nor this informal phrase.
Your turn
My friend texted: 'So sorry, I forgot to bring back your charger!' I replied: '___, I've got a spare one.'
Show the answer
dw — Your friend apologises and you reassure them: you have a spare charger, so dw. Ty means thank you, and there's nothing to thank anyone for in reply to an apology.
A friend apologises that they can't help you move house. Reply with dw: reassure them and say who will help instead.
dw, my brother is coming on Saturday with his car, we'll manage.
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