ping
PING
/pɪŋ/
To send a brief digital message, signal, or prompt to contact someone or request a fast response.
Common in workplace chat tools (e.g. Slack, Teams) as a casual, low-friction query or check-in.
The story behind the word. Originally an onomatopoeic word imitating submarine sonar sound pulses. In 1983, computer network programmer Mike Muuss wrote a utility called 'ping' to test server reachability, which eventually crossed over into office slang.
Word relationships
- message: Message is broad, while ping specifically implies a quick, immediate check-in.
Commonly confused with
- mention: Pinging means messaging someone directly, while mentioning means tagging their handle inside a chat room.
Word family
- pinging (noun): The action of sending ping signals
Collocations
- ping me
- send a ping
- quick ping
Example sentences
- "Please ping me as soon as the client signs the contract so I can release the project assets." Workplace Communication
Memory hook
PING sounds like a sharp high bell ringing on your phone. Quick signal sent to check in on someone.
When not to use
Do not use to describe formal multi-page proposals or long reports.
Fun facts
- Mike Muuss named his network ping utility after submarine sonar echo soundings, not table tennis!
Related words
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