3Q

What is 3Q?

If you've asked that question while instant messaging or texting on your phone with a real Chinese person, you're either not Chinese or you're a really white-washed Chinese, a true-to-the-bone Banana. On the other end of the spectrum, If you know what 3Q means and constantly use it you are without a doubt a 100% full-blooded Chinese.

Enough commentary - What does 3Q mean?

It's a texting abbreviation - 3Q means Thank You. Just like LOL means Laughing Out Loud, just like LMAO means Laugh My Ass Off, just like STFU means Shut The F**k Up, and just like the famous WTF means What The F**k.

It's not exactly like all the other abbreviations, is it? You may be wondering how 3Q exactly translates to Thank You. In English 3Q would be pronounced "Three Q" - sounds nothing like "Thank You". The problem is you're using the wrong language. Remember these are real Chinese people - they don't speak English and if they did you wouldn't understand the words that are coming out of their mouth.

So let's see what 3Q sounds like in Chinese. 3 in Chinese is pronounced "San" and Q is obviously pronounced "Q" so 3Q would be pronounced "San Q". Still doesn't quite match up to "Thank You", does it? Dude, have you ever heard a Chinese try to pronounce "Th"? It's an exercise in futility, man. If you're ever in the unfortunate situation of trying to teach a Chinese how to pronounce "Th" make sure you're not packin' cause you're either gonna use it on yourself or your Chinese friend because they will never get it right. They will never be able to pronounce "Th". It will always come out of their mouth as a "S" sound so "Thank you" will always come out as "San Q" and there you have it - 3Q means Thank You.

God, my people are so cute sometimes, I really love them.

San Q, San Q, San Q. San Q very much. I'm here all week.