WhatsApp is not an abbreviation; it’s the app name, and it comes from a play on “What’s up?” + “app.”

In tech/chat slang, “wats” is a shorthand for “whats” or “what’s” in text messaging.

Quick meaning

  • WhatsApp = the messaging app name.
  • wats / whats = informal shorthand for “what’s.”

In plain English

People sometimes mix up WhatsApp with “what’s up” because they sound similar, but they mean different things: one is an app, the other is a casual greeting.

Example

  • “wats going on?” = “what’s going on?”
  • “Send it on WhatsApp ” = send it in the app.

TL;DR: WhatsApp is the app name, while “whats” or “wats” is just texting slang for “what’s.”