TBH

Texting & Internet Slang abbreviation · Texting and Chat

TBH
Stands forTo be honest
CategoriesTexting & Internet Slang

TBH stands for To be honest, a texting and chat abbreviation.

Flags a frank opinion or confession, often one the writer expects might be unwelcome, as in "tbh I didn't love the movie." One of the most common hedges on social media and in texts.

Example: Tbh I'd rather stay in tonight and order takeout.

Usage notes

Around 2013, teens posted "like for a tbh" on Instagram and Facebook, promising an honest comment about anyone who liked the post. Facebook bought the anonymous compliment app tbh in 2017 and shut it down in 2018. Often softens criticism rather than signaling real secrecy. Fine in casual work chat; spell it out in formal feedback.

More texting and chat abbreviations

  • SRY – Sorry
  • STFU – Shut the f*** up
  • SUM1 – Someone
  • SUP – What's up?
  • SYS – See you soon
  • TBF – To be fair
  • TBQH – To be quite honest
  • TC – Take care
  • TFTI – Thanks for the invite
  • TGIF – Thank God it's Friday
  • THX – Thanks
  • TMI – Too much information

See all 215 texting and chat abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.