Raising What does TBH mean? The texting slang, explained for parents
What does TBH mean? TBH stands for "to be honest." Dictionary.com says it's used online, and sometimes out loud, to flag a frank statement or admission, give an opinion, or make a wry or provocative comment. Kids often write it in lowercase: "tbh." It comes from texting and online chat and isn't rude.
TBH at a glance
| Stands for | "To be honest" source |
|---|---|
| Used | To flag a frank opinion, an admission, or a wry comment |
| Dictionaries | Merriam-Webster labels it an informal abbreviation source |
| Tone | Ordinary slang; no profanity |
Checked October 2026. Slang changes fast; meanings can differ between groups of kids.
What does TBH mean?
Short answer: "To be honest."
- An opinion: "Tbh the first movie was better."
- An admission: "Tbh I didn't do the reading."
- A blunt comment: "Tbh that haircut is a choice."
Where TBH comes from
Dictionary.com says TBH comes from digital communication, like texting and online chat. Merriam-Webster lists it as an informal abbreviation, and Dictionary.com lists related ones such as "IMO" (in my opinion).
Is TBH a bad word?
Short answer: No. It contains no profanity. What follows it can still be unkind.
The habit kids may copy: "just being honest"
"Tbh" can introduce a mean comment and make it sound like a virtue: "I'm just being honest."
Try tonight: true and kind
Play a quick game: one person names a thing, like a drawing or a dinner. Everyone says one thing that's both true and kind about it. In our program, this is the lesson "Stepping In": noticing when someone's hurt.
FAQ
What does TBH mean in text?
"To be honest." It flags an opinion, an admission, or a blunt comment.
Is TBH rude?
No. It's ordinary slang, though it sometimes comes before an unkind comment.
How do you use TBH?
At the start or end of a sentence: "Tbh I'm tired" or "I'm tired tbh."
What does TBH stand for?
"To be honest."
Related
Teaching Empathy to Children: Empathy Activities for Ages 4–7
Empathy activities for kids ages 4–7: at age 5, empathy is largely perspective-taking, and it can be practiced with stories, one good question, and three moves.
Read next →Raising Stoics is a 12-week program for ages 5–6, built on Stoic philosophy and developmental psychology. One lesson is "Stepping In": noticing when someone's hurt.