What is tbh?

"Tbh" is an internet acronym that stands for "to be honest." It's used in online communication to preface a statement, implying that the speaker is being candid and frank, even if the statement might be slightly critical or unflattering.

Here's a breakdown of its use:

  • Informal: Tbh is highly informal and is generally only appropriate for casual online conversations with friends or people you know well. It wouldn't be suitable for formal emails, professional communication, or interactions with strangers.

  • Emphasis: It's used to emphasize the honesty or sincerity of the following statement. The speaker wants to assure the recipient that their opinion is genuine.

  • Varying Connotations: While generally used for honesty, the context can subtly alter the connotation. Sometimes it can soften a potentially harsh statement, while other times it can heighten the impact of a critical observation.

  • Variations: You might also see variations like "TBH," "tbh," or even stylized versions with extra characters or emojis. The meaning remains the same.

In short, "tbh" is a common, informal way to signal sincerity and honesty in online text-based communication.