TEOTWAWKI

What Does TEOTWAWKI Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

TEOTWAWKI means "The End of the World As We Know It."

More Observations...

The abbreviation TEOTWAWKI is primarily used to refer to the failure of existing institutions and norms of society, usually caused by a catastrophic event, such as a nuclear war or global disaster. TEOTWAWKI is a popular subject in online discussions between members of survivalist groups. However, it is also used ironically, sarcastically or with deliberate hyperbole to refer to all sorts of events, the actual impact of which on the world is clearly not so devastating. Of note, TEOTWAWKI is often typed as EOTWAWKI ("End of the World As We Know It").

Image for TEOTWAWKI

When I write TEOTWAWKI, I mean this:

TEOTWAWKI is also often written without the first "T," i.e., TEOTWAWKI.

Summary of Key Points

"The End of the World As We Know It" is, by far, the most common meaning for TEOTWAWKI when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

TEOTWAWKI
Definition:	The End of the World As We Know It
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of TEOTWAWKI in Sentences

Here are examples of TEOTWAWKI in conversations:

• Jack: They're saying again that these sorts of weather events are unprecedented and it's not clear if we are going to be able to do anything about it if we don't act now.
• Ryan: If we don't do something soon, it will be TEOTWAWKI.

• Virginia: One Direction have confirmed that they are going to break up!
• Laura: No! it can't be! It's TEOTWAWKI!

An Academic Look at TEOTWAWKI

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Tee Ee Oh Tee Dblyoo Ay Dblyoo Kay Eye"), TEOTWAWKI 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 would have just said "The End of the World As We Know It" instead of using the abbreviation TEOTWAWKI.

Example of TEOTWAWKI Used in a Text

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