TBT

What Does TBT Mean in a Text?

TBT means "Throwback Thursday" and "Truth Be Told."

Throwback Thursday

When preceded by a hashtag (i.e., typed #TBT), the abbreviation TBT usually means "Throwback Thursday." #TBT is often used on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, to label nostalgic posts, especially images.

Truth Be Told

TBT is also widely used with the meaning "Truth Be Told" to preface a confession or a statement that may be controversial or hurtful. In this respect, TBT is similar to the abbreviation TBH (To Be Honest).

Image for TBT

When I write TBT, I mean this:

meaning of TBT

TBT also means "Throwback Thursday."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition of TBT

"Throwback Thursday" is the most common definition for TBT on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
TBT
Definition:Throwback Thursday
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 2
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition of TBT

"Truth Be Told" is another common definition for TBT.
TBT
Definition:Truth Be Told
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 3

3: Guessable

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of TBT in Sentences

Here are examples of TBT being used in conversations:
  • Jo: #TBT. Check out this pic!
  • Sam: LOL. I can't believe we went out dressed like that!
  • (Here TBT means "Throwback Thursday.")
  • Chris: Have you met my boyfriend?
  • Tom: Yeah. Seems a nice guy.
  • Chris: TBT, he's soon going to be my ex-boyfriend.
  • (Here TBT means "Truth Be Told.")

An Academic Look at TBT

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Tee Bee Tee"), TBT is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "Truth Be Told" instead of using TBT.

Example of TBT Used in a Text

TBT
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)