What Does 'TL;DR' Mean? Plus, Here's When You'll Definitely Want To Avoid Using It

Have you ever been reading something and then suddenly realize just how much time it's taking to consume? If you're a regular consumer of digital content, you're probably no stranger to the seemingly-endless scroll that comes hand-in-hand with the activity. 

Whether it's an article you're reading, a social media post, a text message you received or the like, sometimes, it would be nice to have a very condensed summary of the piece of content we're trying to consume. Enter, TL;DR: an acronym reply that communicates exactly that. But, what does TL;DR mean? 

We are answering all of your burning questions, including the meaning of TL;DR, why people use "TLDR" and ultimately, if the widely-used online abbreviation is considered rude or not.

What Does TL;DR Mean?

TL;DR stands for "Too Long, Didn't Read." It can also mean, "Too Lazy, Didn't Read." 

The acronym may sound a little hasty, and sometimes, it may be intended that way. However, TL;DR can be used in a number of different ways and tones. 

Related: What Is the Meaning of an 'Irish Exit'? Plus, Why It's Actually Not as Rude as You Might Think

How Do You Use TL;DR Correctly?

TL;DR is used several different ways. First, you may be reading a text message or long-drawn social media post and reply with "TL;DR." Replying in this manner may come off as sarcastic or snarky, depending on your relationship with the person you're replying to. 

On the flip side, the person who wrote the very long piece of content may put a TL;DR version at the beginning or end. They acknowledge that the reader may not have time to sift through every intricate sentence, so they include a short summary of it at the end. Comment sections from online articles or forums also have readers who provide their own TL;DR version for others.

When Should I Use TL;DR?

In general, you should use TL;DR to summarize lengthy text or provide a quick overview of your key points. This helps readers understand the main idea of your text without having to read it all the way through. For best results, though, it's recommended that you avoid using this acronym in professional settings (to avoid coming across as rude or arrogant).

What Is TL;DR on Social Media?

When it comes to social media, TL;DR is thrown around in comment sections and forums around the clock. 

It's a coveted term on Reddit, as well as other social media platforms. If you read long posts within Reddit communities, the original posters will frequently include a TL;DR summary at the end that captures what was just typed. 

At the same time, many digital consumers will leave "TL;DR" comments on lengthy social media posts. They're asking the author or other readers for a condensed version of the story so they don't have to consume it in its entirety (usually two sentences, max). Because our attention spans have become so short in the digital age, TL;DR has become a favored term for many.

Related: 50 Gen Z Slang Words You Need To Know To Keep From Becoming "Cheugy"

Why Do People Put TL;DR at the End?

If someone is including a TL;DR summary for readers, oftentimes, people will put it at the end. But, why do people put TL;DR at the end? Why not put TL;DR at the beginning, instead?

People put TL;DR at the end because it offers a short and sweet summarization of what the reader consumed if they actually read the whole thing or skimmed through it. Additionally, people put TL;DR at the end because folks who aren't going to read it will likely just scroll to the bottom. That's where the TL;DR disclaimer can catch their eye and stop them.

Putting a TL;DR at the top can also be a spoiler for anyone who plans to read the full content, which is why people put it at the end.

Related: What Does ‘Cishet’ Mean? Learn More About the Term and the Privilege Associated With It

Is TL;DR Rude and Disrespectful?

After reading the acronym spelled out in full, "Too Long, Didn't Read" may sound rude or passive-aggressive. Is TL;DR rude to say? As with many situations, it depends on the manner in which it's being used. 

Generally, replying to someone with "TL;DR" is considered rude. Most folks will be offended if they tell you a long story or write a novel-length text message and your response is "TL;DR."

Think about it: you're literally telling someone that you didn't want to sit through and read all that they had to say. Of course, it's understandable—but it's not the response most people want to hear. It feels as if you're discrediting them and what they shared with you.

On the other hand, if you have a close relationship with the person you're saying "TL;DR" to, they may not perceive it as a rude response. Instead, they might know your sense of humor and where your heart is.

And using TL;DR in your own caption or content isn't rude—instead, it's helpful to give a brief synopsis of what you're saying to anyone who doesn't have the time to scroll through something really long.

What Are Some Alternatives to Saying TL;DR?

Looking to shake up the vocabulary? Or, perhaps you're looking for a phrase synonymous with TL;DR that's appropriate to use in real life. Here are some terms you can say besides TL;DR:

• BLUF: BLUF is a military term that stands for "Bottom Line Up Front." It means to put the most important details first because people are busy and time is valuable.

• Cut to the chase: Let's not waste any time here!

• Get to the point: This phrase is similar to TL;DR, especially if you say it to someone while they're telling you a story (but maybe that's what you're aiming for).

• Get down to brass tacks: This means removing all unnecessary details and focusing on the most important points first and foremost.

• In summary: This is definitely a more formal response, but it works all the same. TL;DR is really just a short summary, after all.

Up Next:

Related: What Does ‘FWIW’ Mean, Exactly? Plus, the History and How *Not* To Use the Term