Acronym

What does TL;DR mean?

Too long; didn't read: the summary for whoever refused the whole text.

  • Circulation: high
  • Source language: en
  • Translatable: yes

Definition

TL;DR is a stamp. It can be the author's humility (here is the shortcut) or the reader's contempt (I did not read). In a forum, a TL;DR block at the top became manners. In a comment, it became a slap. TL;DR and TLDR coexist. The lexicon treats both as the same acronym.

Origin

English from forums and 4chan/Reddit, 2000s.

History

From an insult aimed at a long thread to the habit of opening a post with a short paragraph.

How it emerged

The timeline shortened patience; the acronym named that politely (and rudely).

Usage examples

  • TL;DR: the film is bad and the ending worse.

  • If the author already puts TL;DR, they know the reader.

Translations

  • pt TL;DR / resumo
  • en TL;DR
  • es TL;DR / resumen

Synonyms

  • summary
  • didn't read
  • in short

Acronyms

  • TL;DR
  • TLDR

Related terms

Questions

What does TL;DR mean?

Too long; didn't read. A summary, or a refusal to read the text.

Is it rude?

In a comment, usually. At the top of a post, it is a shortcut.

Spelling?

TL;DR or TLDR. The semicolon is optional.