What does TBH mean?

TBH stands for “to be honest.” You’ll often see this initialism used on social media platforms and in text messages. It’s a way to introduce a candid thought or opinion. 

When you use TBH, you’re signaling that you’re about to share your genuine feelings or views. It can precede both positive and negative statements. For example: 

  • “TBH, I loved that movie.” 
  • “TBH, I’m not a fan of that restaurant.” 

On some platforms like Instagram, TBH has taken on an extra meaning. Users might post “Like for a TBH,” offering to give honest opinions to those who engage with their content. 

Remember, while TBH can add a sense of authenticity to your messages, it’s wise to use it thoughtfully. 

How is TBH used in social media?

TBH is super common on social media platforms. You’ll often see it on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. People use it to share honest thoughts or give compliments. 

On Instagram, you might post “TBH, your photos are amazing!” To friends on Snapchat, you could say “TBH, you’re my best friend.” It’s a way to show you’re being sincere. 

Some folks use TBH to start conversations. They might post “Like for a TBH” on Facebook, promising to give an honest opinion to anyone who likes their post. 

In text messages and forums, TBH can soften tough feedback. You could write “TBH, I didn’t love that movie” to express your opinion without sounding too harsh. 

Examples of TBH in action

You’ve probably seen “TBH” used online. Here are some ways you might use it: 

  • “TBH, you’re my favorite person to hang out with”  
  • “TBH, I don’t really like that new song”  
  • “TBH, your hair looks amazing today” 

These examples show how “TBH” can introduce compliments or honest opinions. It’s often used to share candid thoughts with friends or followers on social media. 

Kids and teens especially use “TBH” to give feedback, both good and bad. You might see posts like: 

  • “Like for a TBH”  
  • “Comment for a TBH about you” 

This invites others to request an honest opinion about themselves. 

Related terms

TBH isn’t the only abbreviation you’ll encounter on social media. Here are some similar terms you might see: 

  • IMO – In my opinion  
  • NGL – Not gonna lie  
  • FWIW – For what it’s worth  
  • IMHO – In my humble opinion  
  • AFAIK – As far as I know  
  • TBF – To be fair 

These abbreviations help you express yourself quickly in online conversations. Like TBH, they often introduce personal thoughts or feelings. You’ll see them used in text messages, social media posts, and comments across various platforms. 

When using these terms, remember that context matters. They can set a casual tone, so use them wisely in professional settings.