143 (EP)

143 (EP) refers to a common numerical code used as a shortened expression of the phrase "I love you." The numbers represent the number of letters in each word of the phrase: "I" (1 letter), "love" (4 letters), and "you" (3 letters).

The use of "143" as a symbol for "I love you" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly with the advent of pagers and the limitations of text communication at the time. It allowed for a concise and economical way to express affection. The practice gained further popularity with the rise of text messaging and online communication.

While the origin is somewhat ambiguous, the code gained considerable traction and continues to be used, though perhaps less frequently in an era of more sophisticated communication tools. Its simplicity and readily understandable meaning have cemented its place in the lexicon of informal communication. Variations, such as "1432" (I love you too), also exist, extending the basic code's usage. The emotional weight of the phrase "I love you" is thus transferred to the numerical code, offering a quick and somewhat discreet way to convey the sentiment.