DTRT

What Does DTRT Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

DTRT means "Do the Right Thing."

More Observations...

The abbreviation DTRT is a phrase used to encourage someone to do what they know is right. For example, your friend has promised to help with a task, but is now considering going out for the night instead. You believe they should stick to their promise so you tell them to "Do The Right Thing," i.e., "You know what you should do, so just do it."

Image for DTRT

When I write DTRT, I mean this:

DTRT means you should do what you know is right.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

DTRT
Definition:	Do the Right Thing
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of DTRT in Sentences

Here are examples of DTRT in conversations:

Sam: Keep the dream alive: Hit the snooze button.
Stuart: Or DTRT and get up so you're not late for work.

Sally: I promised to walk Julie's dog today, but I want to go shopping instead.
Karen: You can't let her down, it's not fair. DTRT and walk the dog.

An Academic Look at DTRT

DTRT is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Dee Tee Arr Tee), but as this is harder to say than "Do the right thing," it is used for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech. DTRT is typically used as an imperative (i.e., an order).