DTB

What Does DTB Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

In text messaging, DTB means "Don't Text Back." On social media it means "Don't Trust Bitches" or "Don't Trust Boys."

Don't Text Back

The abbreviation DTB is used with the meaning "Don't Text Back" when the sender does not want the recipient to respond to their message. This may be because they wish to make a statement and do not want a reply, or because they are in a situation where it would be inconvenient to receive a message (e.g., about to enter a meeting or cheating on someone). For example:

I never want to see you again. DTB.
Sam will be here in five minutes. DTB. I'll let you know when she's gone.
I will be home late, as we are about to ambush Boris in the garden with a cake. DTB. The police might use the message as evidence of rule breaking.

Don't Trust Bitches / Don't Trust Boys

DTB is also used with the meanings "Don't Trust Bitches," and "Don't Trust Boys." In this context, DTB is typically used with a hashtag (#) by people with relationship issues when posting about their bitter experience on social media, especially TikTok. For example:

Now she's just somebody that I used to know. #DTB.
As Gloria Gaynor said, I WILL SURVIVE! #DTB.

The same sentiment is sometimes expressed with the abbreviations DTN ("Don't Trust Nobody") and DTN4L ("Don't Trust Nobody For Life").

Image for DTB

When I write DTB, I mean this:

Context is important to understanding the meaning of DTB.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

DTB
Definition:	Don't Text Back
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition of DTB

"Don't Trust Bitches" and "Don't Trust Boys" are common definitions for DTB on social media apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

DTB
Definition:	Don't Trust Bitches/Don't Trust Boys
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at DTB

DTB is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Dee Tee Bee), but it is not often said using its letters. DTB is normally used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It is not often used as another part of speech within a wider sentence.