By In texting, we tend to use abbreviations and slang to get messages across quicker. LOL, BRB, BTW and OMG are some common examples.
In texting conversations, TBC is a term that some find confusing.
You may have come across the term in messages, emails, or in a chat and have asked yourself the question, “What does TBC mean in chat?”
In the following section, we will look a the use of TBC in conversations, how to use it and some examples of the use of TBC.
What Does TBC Mean in Chat?
TBC simply is short for the phrase “To Be Continued.”
It is a form of slang that is used to refer to conversations, discussions, or texts that have not fully concluded for the day.
In its simplest form, TBC means the conversation will “I will tell the rest later” or “This is not finished yet” and will be continued at a later time.
Examples of TBC in Chat
To provide clarity regarding TBC’s application in texting or social networks, I will list some simple conversations:
1️⃣ Friend 1: “So what happened after the party?”
Friend 2: “Haha long story 😅… TBC tomorrow!”
2️⃣ Colleague: “We’ll finalize the report in tomorrow’s meeting. TBC.”
3️⃣ Instagram Caption: “Our travel journey part 2 – TBC ✈️”
4️⃣ Storytelling Message: “And then… something crazy happened… TBC 😂”
As indicated, TBC creates a sense of curiosity and anticipation, and thus, fits in casual conversations.
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Why Do People Use TBC in Texts?
The simplicity and clarity of TBC makes it appealing to use.
Main reasons of frequent use include:
1. To Pause a Conversation
When someone cannot explain something in a single sitting, “TBC” signals the other party to let them know they will explain it at a later time.
To Create Suspense
As a cliffhanger in stories, it is also used in posts and captions to build excitement for the audience regarding what’s to come.
To Stay Casual Yet Polite
TBC is used to indicate the conversation is not finished, and it will be continued. This provides a sense that the chat will be finished later.
To Save Time
Typing out “To Be Continued” can be bothersome. “TBC” gets the meaning across much quicker.
Other Meanings of TBC (Depending on Context)
While in chat language, TBC = To Be Continued, it can also have other meanings in different fields:
So, the meaning of TBC depends on where and how it’s used —
but in normal texting or online chats, it almost always means “To Be Continued.”
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Difference Between “TBC” and “TBA”
People often confuse TBC with TBA, but they’re slightly different:
When to Use TBC in Conversation
Here are some examples of when you can use TBC:
✅ When you are sharing a story and need to pause.
✅ When you are in a group chat and a decision hasn’t been finalized.
✅ When you are posting online and want to leave your audience wanting more.
✅ When you send a message in a workplace and are waiting for a decision.
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Examples:
“The meeting agenda — TBC after discussion.”
“Can’t finish this story now, TBC 😂”
Conclusion
Simply put, TBC in chat means “To Be Continued.”
It’s a mildly informal way of indicating that a conversation, tale, or situation is open-ended and not finished yet.
It keeps communication light, fun, and interesting.
When you see TBC in a message, be aware that this isn’t an error. It’s a way of saying, “To Be Continued.” 😉
