In this article, we will explain what is TLDR meaning, how do you utilize it, and where did it originate? TLDR, unlike most internet abbreviations, has appeared in news stories, professional emails, and even Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary.
What is TLDR meaning?
TLDR meaning is “too long to read.” It is typically used to indicate that a piece of digital text is simply too lengthy to be worth reading. A lone “TLDR?” without further explanation might be considered intentionally rude or amusing. In most situations, it’s just a clever way of acknowledging the ease with which a little section of text is easier to read than a large wall of it. However, a single “TLDR” in the comments for a web post isn’t very common. People generally include a summary of what’s being discussed with their TLDR. For example, at the bottom of a long article about football, you could find a remark that reads, “TLDR: The Patriots will win the next Super Bowl.”
Writers may also include a TLDR at the top or bottom of their website, email, or text message. This is intended to be a succinct rundown of what the author is saying, and it’s a warning that lengthy texts might not be worth everyone’s time. For example, a five-paragraph product review for a terrible laptop might begin simply with “TLDR: this laptop is awful.”
Origins of TLDR
Such has the case with most internet acronyms, we don’t know where the phrase TLDR originated, either. The word’s most likely origin is discussions boards during the early 2000s. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, which put up the TLDR meaning in 2018, and claimed the word was first used in 2002 with no proof to back it up.
As of right now, the earliest known explanation of TLDR meaning, which was previously written as “TL;DR,” dates back to January 2003, which was submitted to Urban Dictionary. Since 2004, Google searches for the phrase “TLDR” or “TL;DR” have gradually increased. We can’t go any further back than January 2004 since Google Analytics started. Since 2004, the term “TLDR” has far exceeded “TL;DR,” which is why we’ve dropped the semi-colon for most of this article.
BRB meaning and how to use it?
How to use TLDR?
In general, you should only utilize TLDR if you’re summarizing text. Whether it’s from the author or a commenter, using the phrase TLDR when there isn’t a clear explanation for the material is considered to be rude.
When you use TLDR as a commenter, all you have to do is provide a helpful summary that other readers will be able to comprehend. Alternatively, leave a snarky “TLDR” and come off as rude or juvenile. When you use TLDR as an author, things get a little more complicated. A TLDR at the start of a piece or email may save time for the reader or act as a quick overview, but it might also encourage them to skip over your content.
It’s true that shortening a long text will make it easier to read, but occasionally a TLDR summary at the end of a long story is more desirable since it allows you to summarize all of the information that the reader has absorbed. However, in certain cases, this usage can be interpreted as mocking. Almost as though the writer is implying that a single sentence might encapsulate their own wall of text.
For professional or academic purposes, it all depends on the situation. As a rule of thumb, don’t use TLDR in business situations where you wouldn’t say LOL. However, if you want to utilize TLDR in a professional setting, consider saying “TL;DR” instead. It’s not as informal as the basic TLDR, and it is in Webster’s Dictionary.
What is HMU meaning and how to use it?
TLDR is a handy tool for summarizing information and speeding up communication. When it feels appropriate, utilize it; but try to avoid sounding rude. You can check our articles about internet acronyms if you want to learn more.
