slide into

Meaning

To 'slide into' (almost always followed by 'someone's DMs' or direct messages) means to send a private message to someone on social media, typically with romantic or flirtatious intent. The phrase implies doing so in a smooth, confident, and casual way. It is a staple of modern internet and dating culture.

Examples

• He decided to slide into her DMs after liking three of her photos.

  He decided to slide into her DMs after liking three of her photos.

• I can't believe a famous actor actually slid into my DMs.

  I can't believe a famous actor actually slid into my DMs.

• If you like her, just slide into her DMs and say hi.

  If you like her, just slide into her DMs and say hi.

• She slid into my inbox to ask where I got my jacket.

  She slid into my inbox to ask where I got my jacket.

• My cousin met his wife after he slid into her DMs on Instagram.

  My cousin met his wife after he slid into her DMs on Instagram.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He slid into my direct message.

  ✓ He slid into my DMs.

  The slang phrase almost always uses the plural abbreviation 'DMs' or the word 'inbox', rather than the singular 'direct message'.

• ✗ I will slide to her DMs.

  ✓ I will slide into her DMs.

  The preposition 'into' is essential to this idiom to convey the smooth, entering motion of sending the message.

Related Expressions

Practice

• He tried to ___ her DMs, but she never replied.

  💡 Use the base verb phrase.

  Show answer

  slide into

• I actually ___ his DMs first, and now we're dating.

  💡 Use the past tense form of the verb.

  Show answer

  slid into