What Is the TWSS Meaning and How to Use It?

If a friend sends you “TWSS” in a text or chat, do you know what it means? TWSS means “That’s what she said,” and it’s a way of throwing a little sexual innuendo into a conversation.

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What Is TWSS?

Photo showing what TWSS stands for, which is that's what she said

TWSS is an acronym for “That’s what she said.” It’s an example of innuendo, which is making a comment that hints at something else. Often, this something else is disparaging or sexually suggestive. With TWSS, there is an implication of a sexual encounter with whoever “she” is. “She” can be a real or hypothetical person.

Usually, TWSS is a comeback to someone else’s remark. The person saying it typically does it to be funny and expects an amused reaction. However, it can be used as an insult, and it can also inadvertently offend someone, depending on the context.

No one knows who coined the phrase or when, but there’s a widespread sense that it started in sitcoms. For instance, the character Michael in The Office uses “That’s what she said” a lot, thinking he’s being funny. The widespread popularity of that show helped the phrase spread throughout popular culture. But there’s no evidence that The Office is the origin of the phrase. 

Example conversations:

  • Your friend: Dude, this is so hard!
  • You: TWSS lol
  • Your friend: My mom says she likes big solutions.
  • You: twss last night, bro
  • Your friend: I’m gonna need a few screws for this.
  • You: Yeah, TWSS.

When and How to Use TWSS?

In texts and online chats, TWSS is usually a standalone comment or may have some other words with it. You typically don’t need a lot of explanation since the implication is pretty obvious. It’s usually a play on a word or phrase that can have a double meaning with a sexual connotation.

“She” doesn’t have to be a real person. In that case, TWSS is just an opportunity to add some crude sexual humor for a laugh.

In the second example conversation above, though, the first person’s mother is part of the context. Although the second person means to be funny, it may not come across that way. You, thus, must be careful about your audience. This is especially the case if “she” is someone’s mother, sister, girlfriend, etc. It’s also smart not to use TWSS at work or around anyone but a close friend or relative.

Other Ways To Say That’s What She Said

There are other ways to express the idea behind TWSS. Again, be careful of the audience and context unless you actually want to give offense.

Examples:

  • Yeah, that’s what your wife said.
  • I once knew a girl like that.
  • That isn’t what you told me last night.
  • Sounds like my ex.
  • Said your mom last night.

Other TWSS Meaning

There isn’t a common alternate meaning for TWSS. However, a somewhat obscure one is “Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.” This was a 2020 program in Ireland that provided financial help to employees of businesses struggling during the Covid pandemic.

Final Thoughts

The TWSS meaning is “That’s what she said.” It’s a way of playing on someone’s words to suggest sexual activity with this “she.” Although the intent is usually humorous, the phrase can offend people. So, be careful if the other person doesn’t like sexual humor or if “she” is a real person.