TBS

What Does TBS Mean in a Text?

The abbreviation TBS means "To Be Specified," "To Be Specific," "Tablespoon," "Taking Back Sunday (Band)," "To Be Sure," and "The Best Sex." Here is a little more information about each of these definitions of TBS.

To Be Specified

The abbreviation TBS is used with the meaning "To Be Specified" to indicate that something will be confirmed or decided at some point in the future.

To Be Specific

TBS is also used with the meaning "To Be Specific" to indicate that the sender is providing precise, detailed information. In this context, TBS means the same as the abbreviation TBX (To Be Exact).

Tablespoon

TBS is also a contraction of the word "Tablespoon," when used as a unit of measure in recipes. In this context, TBS is typically typed in lower case (i.e., as "tbs"). "Tablespoon" may also be abbreviated as "tbsp."

To Be Sure

TBS also means "To Be Sure." In this context, it is a phrase of agreement or confirmation, akin to saying "certainly" or "definitely," often used to acknowledge a fact or an aspect of a situation, typically before presenting contrasting or additional information. For example:
  • "Are you coming to the party tonight?" "TBS, I wouldn't miss it."
  • "TBS, the plan has its flaws, but it's the best one we've got right now."

The Best Sex

TBS also means "The Best Sex." In this context it is typically used to refer to the sexual prowess of a lover. For example:
  • "He's such a dork. I don't know what you see in him."
  • "TBS."
  • "Enough said."

Taking Back Sunday

TBS is also used to refer to the American rock band "Taking Back Sunday." The band, from Long Island, New York, was founded in 1999, and was still touring in 2020.

Image for TBS

When I write TBS, I mean this:

meaning of TBS

TBS also means "To Be Specified," "To Be Specific," "Taking Back Sunday," "To Be Sure," and "The Best Sex."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for TBS

TBS means "To Be Specified." This is a very common definition for TBS on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
TBS
Definition:To Be Specified
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for TBS

TBS also means "To Be Specific."
TBS
Definition:To Be Specific
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Third Definition for TBS

TBS also means "Tablespoon."
TBS
Definition:Tablespoon
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Fourth Definition for TBS

TBS are also the initials of the band "Taking Back Sunday."
TBS
Definition:Taking Back Sunday (Band)
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Fifth Definition for TBS

"The Best Sex" is another definition for TBS.
TBS
Definition:The Best Sex
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Sixth Definition for TBS

TBS also means "To Be Sure."
TBS
Definition:To Be Sure
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4

4: Difficult to guess

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at TBS

When used with the meanings "To Be Specified," "To Be Specific," "The Best Sex," and "Taking Back Sunday," and "To Be Sure," TBS is classified as an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e.,"Tee Bee Ess"). Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

When used with the meaning "Tablespoon," TBS is a contraction. Some contractions, like TBS, use letters of the fully expanded word in sequence. Other contractions, like Dr, use letters from the start and end of the fully expanded version. Contractions can also be formed by replacing a letter or letters with an apostrophe (e.g., can't).

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "To Be Specified," "To Be Sure," or "To Be Specific" instead of using the abbreviation TBS. (In recipes, the use of TBS to mean "Tablespoon" long predates the digital era.)

Example of TBS Used in a Text

TBS
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