Etymology

slide into the DMs

Today it means: To confidently and coolly send a direct message to someone by means of social media, especially with romantic or sexual intentions. Full definition →

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The story

First appears c. 2011, particularly on Twitter, which allowed users to send private messages known as direct messages. The word slide suggests a smooth, confident, or subtle approach to initiating a conversation.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.