RTM

What Does RTM Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

RTM means "Read the Manual."

More Observations...

The abbreviation RTM is used with the meaning "Read the Manual" as an instruction to a questioner to find the answer for themselves. RTM often expresses irritation on the part of the sender and implies that they feel that the questioner is trying to take advantage of them when they could easily have found an answer by reading the instructions or doing a bit of research. RTM is also often used when the answer to a question is blatantly obvious. The abbreviation RTFM (Read The F**king Manual) is an even less polite way of saying the same thing. Other abbreviations with a similar meaning include:

• RTFD (Read The F**king Description).
• RTFI (Read The F**king Instructions).

Image for RTM

When I write RTM, I mean this:

RTM. (And stop asking stupid questions.)

Summary of Key Points

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

RTM
Definition:	Read the Manual
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of RTM in Sentences

Here are examples of RTM in conversations:

• Liam: How do you send pictures?
• Noel: It's your new phone, not mine. RTM.
(Here, RTM implies that the sender feels the questioner is being lazy.)

• Stevie: Why is the boss being such a dick this morning?
• Tom: RTM. That's what bosses do on Mondays.
(Here, RTM implies that the sender feels the answer is obvious.)

An Academic Look at RTM

The abbreviation RTM is typically used as an imperative (i.e., an order). As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Arr Tee Em"), RTM is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have just said "Read the Manual," or something like "Find Out Yourself" instead of using the abbreviation RTM.

Example of RTM Used in a Text

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