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

143 means I love you.

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

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?

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.

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?