eBay Auctions: What Is 'NWT'?

Internet & Network

by Paul Gil

Updated November 28, 2016

Question: eBay Auctions: What Is 'NWT'? What Is 'NWOT'?

Answer: It means 'New With Tags, New Without Tags'.

As a new eBayer, you will keep seeing these odd expressions 'NWT' and 'NWOT'. People post up phrases like "Swiss Army Watch, NWT". These acronym expressions stand for 'New With Tags' and 'New Without Tags'. It is the same as saying 'this product is brand new'. NWT and NWOT are particularly common for clothing and shoes.

Examples of NWT and NWOT expressions on eBay:

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

The NWT and NWOT expressions, like many other internet expressions, are part of online conversation culture.

Related: 322 other common Internet expressions explained.

How to Capitalize and Punctuate Web and Texting Abbreviations:

Capitalization is a non-concern when using text message abbreviations and chat jargon. You are welcome use all uppercase (e.g. ROFL) or all lowercase (e.g. rofl), and the meaning is identical.

Avoid typing entire sentences in uppercase, though, as that means shouting in online speak.

Proper punctuation is similarly a non-concern with most text message abbreviations. For example, the abbreviation for 'Too Long, Didn't Read' can be abbreviated as TL;DR or as TLDR. Both are acceptable format, with or without punctuation.

Never use periods (dots) between your jargon letters. It would defeat the purpose of speeding up thumb typing. For example, ROFL would never be spelled R.O.F.L., and TTYL would never be spelled T.T.Y.L.

Recommended Etiquette for Using Web and Texting Jargon

Knowing when to use jargon in your messaging is about knowing who your audience is, knowing if the context is informal or professional, and then using good judgment. If you know the people well, and it is a personal and informal communication, then absolutely use abbreviation jargon. On the flip side, if you are just starting a friendship or professional relationship with the other person, then it is a good idea to avoid abbreviations until you have developed a relationship rapport.

If the messaging is in a professional context with someone at work, or with a customer or vendor outside your company, then avoid abbreviations altogether. Using full word spellings shows professionalism and courtesy. It is much easier to err on the side of being too professional and then relax your communications over time than doing the inverse.