TOTB

What Does TOTB Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

TOTB means "Think Outside The Box."

More Observations...

Thinking outside the box is a metaphor which means to think in an original way or find a novel solution to a problem.

The term is popular in business jargon. It originated in the 1970s or '80s, most likely from the 'nine dots' puzzle - a drawing challenge designed to test lateral thinking.

Note: In order to connect all nine dots and complete the puzzle, it is necessary to draw a line which goes beyond the 'box' of dots.

Today, the term is used widely in both business and creative environments.

Image for TOTB

When I write TOTB, I mean this:

The image shows a girl deep in thought.

Summary of Key Points

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

TOTB
Definition:	Think Outside the Box
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of TOTB in Sentences

Here are examples of TOTB in conversations:

Tony: I've got to give a presentation at work tomorrow and they want me to TOTB.
Jordan: Ditch PowerPoint and do an interpretative dance!

Tony: I rolled all my clothes and now they fit in my suitcase!
Jordan: Way to TOTB!

An Academic Look at TOTB

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Tee Oh Tee Bee"), TOTB is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.