Are you grateful for something someone has done for you? Maybe you asked a question and are at a loss as to what to say next? Are you short on time or simply in a rush but want to avoid rudeness? If so, then you can type out “ty” to get your message across. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The shorthand “TY” means “thank you”. When someone receives a service or information, it is polite to say thank you to the giver. Thank you is considered a form of basic manners and most people are taught the proper usage at a young age. Thank you has always been used as a way for the recipient to show gratefulness or acknowledge the efforts of another person.
TY or thank you is also a polite expression that can be used to voice disinterest. A person may say, no to an offer, but thank a person for making the offer. TY can also be used to address a large audience as opposed to only a single person.
A lesser known meaning of the phrase TY, is when referring to a specific type of man. A “Ty” is typically considered a “good guy” or a person who is very charismatic. This usage is mainly limited to people under the age of 25 within the high school or college culture.
More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage
“Hi! I got the gift you sent over yesterday, ty!”
“Ty for cleaning up the mess.”
“Did you answer the door? Ty!”
“Ty, I will try to get it back to you quickly.”
“Ty for lending me your pen.”
“I’ll have to pass, but ty for asking.”
“Ty for the offer, but I don’t like cheese.”
“This is a really nice location, ty for bringing me.”
“Ty for picking up the check.”
“Ty, I’ll ttyl.”
“He is such a Ty, I think I’m in love.”
“I really want a Ty, not a bad boy.”
Origin
Did you know that there is a national month celebrating thank you? January is the national month for “thank you” and all of its derivatives, including “ty”. The word thanks entered the English language before the 12th century, however, at the outset, it did not equate to gratitude.
Thank was created from the word Tongere, which is Latin. Tongere means to think, and when used properly the translation means that a person will consider or think about what someone has done.
Other languages have also created the phrase thank you from the Latin language. Spanish, French, Japanese, and many other languages also derived the term from Latin. The shorthand phrase, “TY”, has been around for quite a while, though nowhere near as long as the original.
There was some usage of TY in early written communication, however, is it widely accepted that shorthand mainly grew with the advent of online and mobile messaging. The first text message was sent in 1992, though online messages originated in the ’70s.
Phrases Similar to TY
- I appreciate it.
- Much appreciated.
- Much obliged.
- Nice one.
- Bless you.
- Many thanks,
- TYK – thank you kindly.
- I owe you one.
- I can’t thank you enough.
Phrases Opposite to TY
- Like I care.
- It doesn’t matter.
- Get bent.
- Whatever
- IDC
What is the correct saying?
- TY or Thank you.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say TY
Some people may write tty instead of thank you. Tty means talk to you and is a common mistake when attempting to say thank you. There is no wrong way to use TY, however, there are situations where it is not appropriate. TY should never be used in a formal situation, or with strangers. It is a very casual way of speaking and should be reserved for close friends or associates.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase TY
- Ty for your help.
- Ty for coming over.
- You are awesome, TY!
- I got the email, ty.
- Ty, I’ll be sure to take a look.