Ever been scrolling through comments or chatting with someone when they casually say something like, “I had a notion…” and you’re left thinking, wait what does that even mean?
I remember seeing it in a TikTok caption for the first time, and I honestly thought it was some type of trendy slang. Spoiler: it’s not modern slang at all, but people use it like one!
If you’ve seen someone use “notion” and weren’t sure what they meant, don’t worry you’re about to understand it fully.
Quick Answer: Notion means “an idea, belief, or impression.” It’s a casual and sometimes thoughtful way of saying “I’ve got a thought” or “I have the feeling that…”
What Does Notion Mean in Text?
When someone uses “notion” in texting or social media, they’re simply talking about an idea, thought, suspicion, feeling, or belief they have. It’s not exactly slang, but it’s used a lot in expressive or emotional conversations.
Example:
“I have a notion he’s going to cancel again 😒”
In short:
Notion = idea or belief = a thought you feel strongly about.
Where Is Notion Commonly Used?
• Text messages
• Instagram captions
• TikTok and YouTube comments
• Snapchat chats
• Tumblr, Pinterest, or aesthetic-style writing
• Storytelling or poetic posts
Tone:
• Casual
• Creative
• Expressive
• Slightly formal depending on context
Examples of Notion in Conversation
A: i have a notion she’s not telling the full story
B: same, something feels off
A: i’ve got a it’s gonna rain today lol
B: then don’t forget your umbrella ☔
A: got a weird that you’re upset
B: not upset, just tired 😴
A: i had a you’d text today
B: and you were right 😌
A: i have this that the trip is gonna be amazing
B: manifesting that for us 🙏
A: we order pizza instead of cooking
B: finally a great idea
A: i’ve got a he’s into you
B: stopppp 😭
When to Use and When Not to Use Notion
When to Use
• When sharing a thought or feeling
• When expressing a suspicion or assumption
• When messaging casually with friends
• In creative writing or poetic-style captions
• When you want to sound thoughtful or intuitive
When Not to Use
• In formal emails or business settings
• When giving urgent instructions
• When clarity is extremely important
• In short, fast-paced chats where simple words work better
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “i have a notion you’re hiding something 👀” | Fun, playful, casual |
| Work Chat | “I think we should review this again.” | Clear, professional wording |
| “I believe this needs revision.” | Formal and polite | |
| Social Media | “had a strange notion today…” | Aesthetic and expressive |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Word | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Idea | A thought or plan | Everyday texting or conversations |
| Vibe | A feeling or intuition | Casual, modern, energetic chats |
| Impression | A belief based on feeling | Slightly formal or thoughtful contexts |
| Hunch | A gut feeling | When guessing or predicting |
| Theory | A belief or explanation | More analytical or humorous conversations |
| Feeling | Emotional intuition | Personal, emotional, or romantic chats |
FAQs About Notion
Is “notion” slang?
No, but people use it casually in texting like a modern expression.
Does notion mean idea?
Yes—“idea” is the simplest and most common meaning.
Is formal or informal?
It’s mostly casual, though it can appear in slightly formal writing.
Is ” the same as the productivity app?
In this context, no. We’re talking about the word, not the app.
Conclusion
Notion is a simple yet expressive word that adds a thoughtful vibe to conversations. It basically means an idea or belief, and people use it in texts when they’re trying to share a feeling, make a prediction, or hint at something they’re thinking.
If you’re chatting with friends, posting a caption, or expressing something poetic, “notion” fits perfectly when you want to sound intuitive or reflective. Just skip it in formal or professional spaces where clearer words work better.
Matthew Porter is an avid puzzler whose love for brain teasers knows no bounds. Known for his creativity and analytical thinking, Matthew enjoys crafting and deciphering puzzles that challenge the mind. His engaging and thought-provoking content is a favorite among Puzzlerpedia readers.
