TBT

What Does TBT Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

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:

TBT also means "Throwback Thursday."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition of TBT

"Throwback Thursday" is, by far, the most common meaning for TBT when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

TBT
Definition:	Throwback Thursday
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition of TBT

"Truth Be Told" is another common definition for TBT.

TBT
Definition:	Truth Be Told
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of TBT in Sentences

Here are examples of TBT 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

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