TGTBT

What Does TGTBT Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

TGTBT means "Too Good To Be True."

More Observations...

The abbreviation TGTBT is used with the meaning "Too Good To Be True" when someone or something appears to be so amazing or impressive that it's difficult to believe that they or it are for real. Usually, TGTBT expresses disbelief or suspicion and urges caution, or is used retrospectively to express regret when something turns out worse than expected. However, it can also be used as an exclamation of delight or admiration. For example:

• Cut taxes for the rich, so that they create millions of highly-paid jobs? That sounds TGTBT!
(Here, TGTBT expresses doubt.)
• I should have known that offer of a free laptop was TGTBT!
(Here, TGTBT is being used retrospectively to express regret.)
• A ten-percent pay rise! Thanks! That sounds TGTBT!
(Here, TGTBT expresses delight.)

TGTBT comes from the saying "When Something Looks Too Good To Be True, It Usually Is," which can generally be considered wise advice. However, it can also lead to real opportunities being missed. "Too Good To Be True" is also often abbreviated as 2G2BT.

Image for TGTBT

When I write TGTBT, I mean this:

Money growing on trees? That's TGTBT!

Summary of Key Points

"Too Good To Be True" is, by far, the most common meaning for TGTBT when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

TGTBT
Definition:	Too Good To Be True
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of TGTBT in Sentences

Here are examples of TGTBT in conversations:

• Sam: The hotel and flights are free.
• Kelly: That sounds TGTBT. There's bound to be a catch.

• Rita: I only have to pay for the first one. The rest are free.
• Caroline: That is TGTBT. Have you read the small print?

An Academic Look at TGTBT

TGTBT is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Tee Gee Tee Bee Tee"). However, it is not often uttered using its letters. The abbreviation TGTBT 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 "Too Good To Be True" or something like "Are You Sure There Isn't A Catch?" instead of using the abbreviation TGTBT.

Example of TGTBT Used in a Text

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