NWT and NWOT Definitions

Used mainly on eBay when auctioning off clothes or shoes, the acronym NWT means New With Tags, and NWOT is similar but stands for New Without Tags. The NWT and NWOT expressions, like many other internet expressions, are part of online conversation culture.

As a new eBay visitor, you might see these odd expressions all over the place and not know what they mean, such as Swiss Army Watch - NWT. Just as the definition describes, this example means the same as, "This product is brand new and still includes the tag."

A quick search for NWT on eBay, or NWOT, will net you results similar to these:

• NWT: Men's Microfiber Gloves, black medium
• Striped Button Down LS Shirt, large, NWOT - *unique vintage look!*
• Bowler Hat for Men, black sz 7, NWT +++Just Like Thomas Crown Affair Movie++
• Size 8 women's stylish granny boots, chocolate brown NWOT - worn once indoors
• Abercrombie cargo pants men size 36/32 NWOT, khaki
• NWOT: Union Bay boot cut jeans waist 34 length 30, excellent price

Knowing when to use jargon in your messaging is about knowing your audience, knowing if the context is informal or professional, and using good judgment. 

Capitalization is not a concern when using most text message abbreviations and chat jargon. You can use all uppercase (for example, ROFL) or all lowercase (for example, rofl), and the meaning is identical. Avoid typing entire sentences in uppercase, though, since it often insinuates shouting.

However, when it comes to NWT and NWOT, which are usually used in the title of an online ad, keep the letters uppercase so that they stand out, much like they are in the examples above. If the acronyms were lowercase, it's harder to instantly spot whether you're saying NWT or NWOT.

Proper punctuation is similarly a non-concern with most text message abbreviations (like TL,DR and TLDR). This, however, isn't applicable to NWT or NWOT since neither are seen with periods.