Are you trying to explain something to someone based on the way you understand it? Or do you have a certain perception of something, but you are going off of your own knowledge of it, instead of, perhaps, the actual definition? In that case, “TMU” is the phrase for you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The term “TMU” is most commonly used to mean “to my understanding”. You may use this when you are not entirely sure what something is, but you may be trying to explain it based on what you do understand about it. This may be the case when someone asks you about something you do not know a lot about, but you still want to try to explain it to them based on what you do know.
In a more “real world” context, “TMU” may also be used to mean “true mileage unknown”. This is typically used for older vehicles whose odometer does not have an accurate reading as to all of the miles that are on the car. This usage of the phrase is not as common, so knowing the context in which the phrase is used is key in understanding what the person who used it meant.
Example Usage
“I don’t really know a lot about makeup, but TMU, you’re supposed to use a primer first.
“TMU, Abby’s graduation party is on May 6th.
“I can’t tell you for sure, but TMU, Jessica, and Alex are moving out in a month.
“This car is TMU, it looks like the odometer has been tampered with.
“Tmu, there is no other way to go about getting a master’s degree without first completing a bachelor’s”.
Origin
“TMU” is another phrase whose use has increased as the popularity of Internet slang has grown. The first instance of Internet slang was used in 1979, and a large dictionary of slang that is commonly used in text and on social media has grown ever since.
“TMU”, meaning “true mileage unknown”, was created as a phrase to refer to cars being sold from dealerships where the dealership may have changed or “rolled back” the odometer to make it appear as though there are fewer miles on the car. This is typically done because cars with fewer miles have a higher value, so dealerships do this to make more money off of them.
Phrases Similar to TMU
- “TBH”, which means “to be honest”
- “IK”, or “I know”
- “IMHO”, or “in my humble opinion”
Phrases Opposite to TMU
- “IDK”, which means “I don’t know”
- “IDRK”, or “I don’t really know”
- I’m not sure/I’m not confident
What is the Correct Saying?
- “TMU” – “To my understanding”
Ways People May Incorrectly Say TMU
“TMU” most often means “to my understanding”. This is typically what you say when you are trying to explain something as you perceive it or understand it. If you were trying to tell someone about something that you do not know anything about, using “TMU” in the sentence would be incorrect. For example, saying, “TMU, I don’t know anything about planes” would be incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase TMU
If someone is asking you about a topic that you do not know much about, but you still want to answer them with something, you may use “TMU” to explain what little you may know about that topic. This may sound like, “I don’t know much about German Shepherds, but TMU they are very loyal and big dogs”. Some other examples are:
- Tmu, once you add in the sulfur, the mixture will begin the chemical process on its own.
- For those interested in a tourist visa, tmu, you need to apply directly to the embassy in your area.
- There is no way to get around this particular rule tmu.
- If you want to get ahead in your career, tmu you will need to score well on your employee evaluations for several years.