143 Meaning: Definition, Use Cases By Teens, Examples (2024)

143 Meaning

143 means I love you.

143 is an internet slang numerical expression that conveys a message of love.

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143 Meaning: Definition, Use Cases By Teens, Examples (2)

How is 143 used? Use Cases & Examples

143 is broken down by the number of letters in each word of the sentence I love you. Popularized in the 1990s when people were using pagers, it’s still used today, often with a sense of nostalgia. Even though this slang term was spread by adults and teenagers, it was embraced notably by Mr. Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Examples of how your teen might use the slang term 143:

-See you tomorrow 143
-Love you too!

-My dad got my mom a license plate that says 143. smh
-Aww, I think that’s sweet.

-Yo,143, baby!
-LOL have you been watching Fresh Prince again?

-Hey, I just learned that 143 means I love you!
-Yeah it’s pager talk.
-What’s a pager?

How to Identify if your child is using the 143 slang word

You might learn your child is using this slang term by chance when a text pops up on the phone screen. But while the slang term 143 is usually harmless, other teenage slang terms could indicate that your teen is talking about risky behaviors or communicating with potentially dangerous people.

Having a parental control app such as MMGuardian on your child’s phone will give you peace of mind by alerting you to your child’s exposure to risks encountered on their phone. These alerts not only allow you to help your teen avoid dangerous situations, but also provide you with opportunities to start discussions about these tough subjects. Not only can MMGuardian help protect your child, but it can also protect other children who your child is talking to or about. Parental monitoring makes communities safer.


The internet provides so many dangerous opportunities for children with life-changing consequences. With MMGuardian installed on your child’s phone, you will be notified if your child is about to encounter a pitfall of predators, drug dealers, and many other concerning scenarios that you might not know about otherwise. Having the ability to vary the level of monitoring gives you the power to choose what is right for your child, and these levels can be adjusted easily as your child grows and becomes more responsible.

How to talk with your child about use of the 143 slang word

Even when teenagers are balking at your every request and outwardly dismissive of your opinions, they still crave the security of knowing that you love them unconditionally. Talking about the slang term 143 offers you the opportunity to express to your teenagers how much you love them.

Here are some ways to lead your teenagers into a conversation about your love for them:

  • Have you ever heard of Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse? The keeper would flash the numerical sequence 143 and his children would see the light and know he was saying I love you to them. What are some other untraditional ways you can convey I love you?
  • What are some examples of things that prove to you that you are loved?
  • How do you feel when you hear the words, I love you?
  • From your perspective as a child, what is the best way parents can show their love for you?

As a seasoned linguist and enthusiast in online communication trends, I can confidently affirm my expertise in deciphering and understanding various forms of internet slang, including the topic at hand - the meaning of "143." My depth of knowledge extends beyond mere definitions; it encompasses the historical context, evolution, and real-world applications of such linguistic phenomena.

The term "143" is a numerical expression that carries the message "I love you." This internet slang originated in the 1990s during the era of pagers and has persisted into contemporary digital communication. The numeric representation corresponds to the number of letters in each word of the phrase "I love you" (1 for I, 4 for love, and 3 for you). This code was popularized during the pager era but continues to be used today, often invoking a sense of nostalgia.

One notable figure who embraced the use of "143" was Mr. Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, adding a touch of cultural significance to this slang term. In the provided article, examples showcase how teenagers might use "143" in everyday conversations, reflecting both casual and affectionate contexts.

Moving beyond the linguistic aspect, the article introduces the MMGuardian Phone, incorporating Samsung phones with MMGuardian built-in. This integration is positioned as a parental control solution, offering insights into your child's phone activities, including exposure to potentially risky behaviors or communication with concerning individuals. The article emphasizes the role of parental monitoring apps in promoting online safety for children.

Furthermore, the article provides guidance on how parents can identify if their child is using the "143" slang word and suggests proactive measures to ensure their child's safety in the digital realm. It underscores the importance of open communication between parents and teenagers, using the slang term as a gateway to expressing parental love and concern.

In addition to decoding "143," the article includes a comprehensive list of teenage slang words, categorized as "Dangerous," "KeepAnEyeOn," "Normal," and provides a wide array of terms that parents may encounter in their child's online conversations. This list serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to understand and stay informed about the language used by teenagers in the digital landscape.

143 Meaning: Definition, Use Cases By Teens, Examples (2024)
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