RBTL

What Does RBTL Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

RBTL means "Read Between The Lines."

More Observations...

The phrase "Read Between The Lines" means to detect or deduce a meaning from something that has been written that is not obvious from a cursory examination of the text. The abbreviation RBTL is typically used in text-based messaging to direct someone to think about what has been written, said or done, in order to properly understand a situation.

Image for RBTL

When I write RBTL, I mean this:

"Read Between The Lines" to find the true meaning.

Summary of Key Points

"Read Between The Lines" is, by far, the most common meaning for RBTL when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

RBTL
Definition:	Read Between The Lines
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of RBTL in Sentences

Here are examples of RBTL in conversations:

• Amy: What's that supposed to mean?
• Harriet: RBTL. Congratulations, you're newly single.

• Julie: He says he's happy playing for us and wouldn't dream of playing for any other club in the country.
• Linda: RBTL. He's probably looking for a move abroad.

An Academic Look at RBTL

RBTL is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Arr Bee Tee Ell). However, it is not often spoken using its letters. The abbreviation RBTL is for efficiency in writing rather than for efficiency in speech.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "Read Between The Lines" instead of using the abbreviation RBTL.

Example of RBTL Used in a Text

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