TBH - meaning and definition
Alsoto be honestto be quite honest
Definition
Short for "to be honest": used to introduce a frank opinion or to soften a confession.
At a glance
- Introduces a frank opinion or softens a confession.
- General texting shorthand rather than specific dating slang.
- Turns up constantly in profiles and early chats.
- Often introduces useful information about what someone is really looking for.
In detail
TBH is general texting shorthand rather than dating slang, but it turns up constantly in profiles and chats ("tbh I'm terrible at texting"). It flags that what follows is candid.
In early conversations TBH often introduces the useful stuff: what someone is really looking for or what they are nervous about.
In a sentence
- tbh I'm terrible at texting, I'd rather just meet for a coffee.
- Tbh I'm a bit nervous, this is my first date in years.
Common questions
Does TBH mean something different in dating?
No. It means 'to be honest' everywhere. In dating chats it often comes just before something candid, such as what someone wants or what they are nervous about.