TBH

What Does TBH Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

TBH usually means "To Be Honest," as in "This is the truth," or "In my opinion."

More Detail...

It can also be used as a noun, with meanings such as "Honest opinion" or "Honest comment." For example:

• Charlie: Did you enjoy my party?
• Jordan: TBH, I didn't like the music.

• Jo: Do you really think that selfie made me look like a hamster?
• Sam: That's my TBH.

• Snapchat User: LMR picture and I'll post some TBHs.
(Like my recent picture and I'll post some honest opinions [on your profile].)

TBH was originally used to preface blunt or antagonistic remarks, in order to suggest that they were sincere and not meant to offend. In this way, it could be used to protect the author of an overly candid statement by serving as a caveat with the meaning "I'm only telling you this because I am being truthful." However, TBH has become so common on social-media platforms that its meaning has now been diluted. The meaning of TBH can now range from "I think..." to "I'm sorry for being blunt, but..." "To Be Honest" is often abbreviated as 2BH.

Image for TBH

When I write TBH, I mean this:

TBH can also just mean "Honest opinion" or "Honest comment."

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

TBH
Definition:	To Be Honest or Honest Opinion
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at TBH

TBH is an infinitive phrase. It is typically used as an adjective phrase meaning "Speaking with complete honesty." For example:

• I don't like your new boyfriend tbh.
(Speaking with complete honesty, I don't like your new boyfriend.)
(Note: Speaking with complete honesty is a type of adjective phrase called a participle phrase.)

Of note, TBH is now used increasingly like a noun meaning "honest opinion." For example:

• Do you want my TBH?
(Here, TBH is used as a noun.)

TBH is an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Tee Be Aich). (Note: Initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken like words.)

Example of TBH Used in a Text

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