In Vietnam, most youngsters and internet users know about the word ‘poke’ thanks to social network and online chatting. The term ‘poke’ is from English originally, and it mainly means sticking or poking something at lightly. However, in the world of social interactions poke (think Facebook), poking has developed into a playful act intended to grab someone’s attention.
In consideration to the meaning of the ‘poke’, it is mostly about a light tap or nudge. However, with the dawn of the digital age and also being part of web slang this poke is now often used to welcome or initiate a conversation. That is why businessmen try to use those Vietnamese netizen slang ‘poke’ – which is commonly known as something friendly or flirtatious between 2 people on the internet.
In Vietnam, the slang term ‘poke’ has caught on as a trendy way to communicate with link up or pester friends without having to articulate any words. It’s a low-tech social signal in the online world and for good reason. So being clued up to what the ‘poke’ meaning and use in slang is extremely important for anyone who want’s to keep up with communications trends online in Vietnam.
In summary, where poke originally means to prod or jab lightly, its slang usage in Vietnam brings a new corner of social life into play. On the internet when it comes to text banter and SMS – “poke in slang” is definitely fun, nonverbal way to communicate which surely tops up the list of influential things representing modern day Vietnamese digital culture.