Have you spotted cryptic codes like “o45,” “o22,” or “o99” popping up in your friends’ Instagram Notes? These letter and number combinations seem random and might leave you scratching your head. You might feel like some unfortunate character in a Sherlock Holmes movie who is totally ignorant of what is happening.
Don’t fret too much. This article will reveal the secret meanings behind these codes and explain the trend that’s taken hold of the platform.
A Walk Through History
In early April 2023, a now-viral TikTok video started a new Instagram trend —using coded messages in Notes. This playful trend allows users to subtly hint at their crush’s initial without directly revealing the name.
It’s quite simple. A user posts a Note with the code that signifies the first letter of their crush’s name. The rest of their followers must try to figure out who it is before the Note disappears in 24 hours. Seems like a lot of fun.
Decoding the Message: the Logic Behind the Numbers
The key to understanding these codes lies in a simple substitution cipher. Each letter of the alphabet is assigned a specific code formed by the letter “o” followed by a number. We’ll give you the codes for each alphabet, so you might want to save this article for later. Here’s the breakdown:
- A – o22
- B – o76
- C – o99
- D – o12
- E – o43
- F – o98
- G – o24
- H – o34
- I – o66
- J – o45 (This is the code you’re curious about!)
- K – o54
- L – o84
- M – o33
- N – o12 (Yes, “N” shares the same code as “D.” Confusing, we know.)
- O – o89
- P – o29
- Q – o38
- R – o56
- S – o23
- T – o65
- U – o41
- V – o74
- W – o77
- X – o39
- Y – o26
- Z – o10
Now that you have the decoder ring, return to the example of “o45.” According to the code, “o45” translates to “J.” Therefore, “o45” is a subtle way for someone to indicate their crush has a name that starts with the letter “J.” So if a close friend posted those on their notes, you’ve got some sleuthing to do.
Other Uses for the Code
While crushes are a popular theme, the code can be used for various purposes. The temptation of using a secret code to pass cryptic messages isn’t easy to overcome. Some other uses include:
- Shoutout to a Friend: Someone might use “o33” (M) for Michael or any other name starting with M as a friendly acknowledgment.
- Inside Jokes: Friends with shared references might use a coded message to trigger an inside joke.
- Building Anticipation: A creator might use a code related to an upcoming project to pique their audience’s curiosity.
Wrapping Up
Using coded messages in Instagram Notes is a light-hearted trend that injects a touch of mystery into communications and encourages interaction.
So, the next time you encounter an “o45” or another one of these cryptic codes, just remember to accept the challenge and decode it with our guide. Embrace the game to tap into the playful part of Instagram.
