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WYSIWYG, "What You See is What You Get," was originally used in the early days of word processing software to indicate the way in which a document would appear on-screen or in print. Pre-WYSIWYG word processing applications relied on different "modes" for various actions, such as editing and viewing. At that time, you couldn't "see" exactly the way a document would look until you printed it or viewed it (outside of edit mode). With the creation of WYSIWYG word processors, users could see exactly the way a document would look on-screen or in print while editing it.

Today, the term is used frequently on the Internet for special text editors that provide rich editing functionality, used in creating Web sites, online email messages, and the like.

Some examples include:

- Microsoft Word
- Macromedia Dreamweaver
The introduction of the WYSIWYG editor was a major milestone in the word processing industry.
WYSIWYG by Giskard July 15, 2004
Related Words
What You Swallow Is Why You're Glad
Sometimes confused with "What you see is what you get", but that is WRONG!!!! It means ... well the name is the meaning
Why is Wayne so cheery today? It's because of WYSIWYG
WYSIWYG by bogos November 30, 2021
WYSIWYG is an acronym for "What You See Is What You Get"

1: a computer interfaces that display exactly what you get.

2: no Surprises or depth beyond the surface:

3 describe something or someone in a confident "take it or leave it", "It is what it is, I am what I am" kind of way.
1: Macromedia Dreamweaver is a WYSIWYG application

2 That movie has a WYSIWYG trailer

3 Don't dig my steez? WYSIWYG beeatch!
wysiwyg by Grassy Knoll May 4, 2006
'What you see is what the fuck' - a parody for the acronym wysiwyg
Dude, my new monitor is WYSIWTF
or
That girl at the disco was WYSIWTF when I finally approached her, again showing good from far is far from good.
WYSIWTF by lokik August 27, 2008
Pronounced: Wizzy Wig
"What You See Is What You Get"
Yo homie, I be clickin' the font color button!
wysiwyg by wysiwyg January 9, 2004
A promise of Microsoft and it never come true.
Most programs are not truly WYSIWYG since printing and page formatting are still hidden from view.
wysiwyg by shortBull May 18, 2005
More from Urban Dictionary

countrypolitan 

Term used to describe someone who is a mix of both rural (country) and urban (metropolitan) lifestyles/upbringings. He/she is typically equally comfortable in both settings and is able to seamlessly slip back and forth between the two, appreciating the characteristics of each.
That ol' gal of mine drives the 12 lane freeway during the week and a John Deere on the weekends. She likes opra and the Grand Ol' Opry. I love them countrypolitan women.
countrypolitan by MOChick November 7, 2006
Word of the Day on November 1, 2026

Witch Bath 

A bath consisting of a variety of slats, oils, soaps or any other added ingredients such as fruits, milks, herbs or any other spices for health or beautifying benifits.
She brought home alot of stuff and took it to the bathroom. She must be taking a witch bath.
Witch Bath by carnieboy30 October 26, 2020
Word of the Day on October 31, 2026

kinktober 

An excuse for people to write porn with different types of kinks throughout the month of October.

Smut Fanfiction
That chick doesn't write often but when she does, its for Kinktober.
kinktober by Kinkiest July 12, 2018
Word of the Day on October 30, 2026

proper lad 

a lad that is such a lad that he is a proper lad
person1:did you see bob
person2: ya he was a proper lad
Word of the Day on October 29, 2026
The number of years you are still sexually active
While our lifespan is the number of years we will live, our healthspan is the number of healthy years we will have and our sexspan is is the number of years we will continue to be healthy enough to continue having an active sex life.
sexspan by Dr Kat April 21, 2022
Word of the Day on October 28, 2026
A lighthearted reaction upon receiving disappointing news of some sort. Usually something that isn't a particularly a big deal, esp. when it primarily affects someone else - sort of a mild schadenfreude. Sometimes doubled or tripled, and possibly said in a sing-songy voice for added comedic effect to imitate a muted trumpet, which is how the meme originated.
You didn't get any napkins with your takeout pork fried rice? Womp womp.
womp by 175623226 November 3, 2011
Word of the Day on October 27, 2026
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