143

‘143’ is slang for ‘I love you’

Often seen in text messages or online chats, 143 is a slang term that stands for “I love you.” It’s based on the number of letters in each word: 1 for ‘I’, 4 for ‘love’, and 3 for ‘you’.

This unique code has a history dating back to the late 19th century, originating from an unusual source: a lighthouse. This was no ordinary lighthouse, but the Beacon Hill Lighthouse near the Boston Harbor. Its pattern of flashing lights — once, then four times, then three times — was a symbol that locals began to associate with the phrase “I love you.”

There are many theories about how this association began. Some say young couples in love were the first to see the connection between the lighthouse’s flashing pattern and the words “I love you.” They even nicknamed the Beacon Hill Lighthouse as the “Lovers’ Beacon.”

Another theory suggests that the lighthouse keeper used the flashing pattern as a secret message to his family. Regardless of the true origin story, the term 143 has persisted into the digital age, and is commonly used to express love or affection in written form.

Example for using ‘143’ in a conversation

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