WYSIWYG

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.

by Giskard July 15, 2004

WYSIWYG

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

by bogos November 30, 2021

WYSIWYG

"What you see is what you get" - the very first acronym in reference to computers.

Whats this on my screen???
WYSIWYG

by KMAC December 15, 2003

WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Googled

This noob must have been relying on WYSIWYG. Sucks that his phone won't boot.

by James Chipstack Elmore March 6, 2017

wysiwyg

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!

by Grassy Knoll April 24, 2006

wysiwyg

Pronounced: Wizzy Wig
"What You See Is What You Get"

Yo homie, I be clickin' the font color button!

by wysiwyg January 10, 2004

wysiwyg

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.

by shortBull May 17, 2005