IDBI

What Does IDBI Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

IDBI means "I Don't Believe It."

More Observations...

When taken literally, the abbreviation IDBI indicates that the sender believes that what they have just been told is false. However, IDBI is more often used to express exasperation, surprise or anger, rather than actual disbelief. The phrase "I Don't Believe It!" was the catchphrase of Victor Meldrew, a famously dour character in the hit UK TV sitcom "One Foot In The Grave."

Image for IDBI

When I write IDBI, I mean this:

IDBI is usually an expression of surprise, exasperation or anger.

Summary of Key Points

"I Don't Believe It" is, by far, the most common meaning for IDBI when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

IDBI
Definition:	I Don't Believe It
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of IDBI in Sentences

Here are examples of IDBI in conversations:

• Simon: I've won £3,000 from the lottery.
• Dan: IDBI! I've bought a ticket every week for a year and never won a thing.

• Seleena: I'm seeing James again.
• Nizram: IDBI! After all you said. Are you mad?

An Academic Look at IDBI

IDBI is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Eye Dee Bee Eye), but as this is harder to say than "I don't believe it," it is not often uttered using its letters. In other words, the abbreviation IDBI is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "I Don't Believe It" instead of using IDBI.

Example of IDBI Used in a Text

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