Did a friend text you ‘TTYL’ at the end of their message? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym.
Meaning
The acronym ‘TTYL’ stands for ‘talk to you later.’ It’s a term used in social media communications and in text messaging. You’ll usually end your conversation with TTYL as a farewell to the other person. Typically, you use ‘TTYL’ with friends or family, not in professional communications.
If you text someone ‘TTYL,’ it means you intend to speak to them soon. However, there is no set time limit for the next contact between you and the other person. However, most people use the saying when speaking to people they engage with regularly in their life, like good friends or family members.
Example Usage
“Ok, hon, I’ll check with Mike and see what time he’s getting home from work. I’ll let you know when to make the reservation. TTYL.”
“That was a great time. I really enjoyed it, thanks. Call me again soon; I’d love to hang out with you again. TTYL.”
“Ok, so we’ll all meet up at around 7. I think we should start at Fratelli’s and make our way around the town from then. Let me know what you think. TTYL.”
“I don’t know what we’ll get up to tonight. It all depends on how the day goes and where it takes us. I’ll keep in touch. TTYL.”
“Ok, it’s great talking with you; it’s been a while since we last spoke. I’ll get on the phone with the wife and tell her about Saturday. TTYL.”
“Sweet, thanks for letting me know. I’m down for that for sure. Let me know when you want to set it up. TTYL.”
“Look, I don’t have the time to argue right now, and my patience is wearing thin. I’m signing off now before I say something stupid. TTYL.”
Origin
The acronym ‘TTYL’ comes from the early days of internet chatrooms in the 1990s. The first appearance of the expression in the Urban Dictionary was in June 2002, and it was added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2016.
TTYL is a part of the text-based abbreviations and acronyms that appeared in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These early years of cellphone technology saw users typing text messages to their friends using the number keypad on the phone.
This activity was tiresome, especially when typing long phrases like ‘talk to you later.’ Instead, users started creating these abbreviations to cut down typing time. Many of them, such as TTYL, are universally recognized in all English-speaking countries. TTYL is still in use today, despite predictive text and other technologies that make these abbreviations obsolete.
Phrases Similar to TTYL
- Speak soon.
- Chat later.
- Ciao.
Phrases Opposite to TTYL
- N/A.
What is the Correct Saying?
- ttyl.
- TTYL.
- Talk To You Later.
Ways People May Say TTYL Incorrectly
Typically, people will use the full version of the acronym in verbal exchanges, not its abbreviation. 'TTYL' is a part of text culture, and it's for social use between friends and acquaintances. It does not apply to professional communications like emails.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase TTYL
You can use 'TTYL' in text-based communications with friends and acquaintances. You'll use the acronym as a sign-off from your chat or text communication. TTYL means that you'll speak to the person soon and stay in touch with them daily or at least weekly.
TTYL can also refer to letting someone know you'll get back to them shortly. You might have to take care of something and call them back in a few minutes or hours. Typically, TTYL suits situations where you're telling the person you have something else to do, and you'll get back to them later.
In most cases, people will use 'TTYL' in the lower-case format, 'ttyl,' in text communications. If you use it in the upper case, the person might think you're yelling at them to stop talking.