What Does It Mean When Someone Says TTFN?

TTFN stands for:

Ta-Ta For Now. 

TTFM isn't exactly the most popular catchphrase used in everyday life, but it can be a nice acronym to use to shake things up in any online or text conversation.

How TTFN Is Used

You might already be aware that "ta-ta" is a popular British term commonly used to say goodbye. Adding "for now" to the end of it suggests that the goodbye isn't permanent and that you'll be talking to or seeing each other again very soon.

People use TTFN instead of "goodbye" or "bye" online or in text messages as a way to make it clear that the conversation has ended. You'll probably see it more often when you're chatting in real time with one or more people as opposed to seeing it in blog or social network comment sections since TTFN is a useful term to use to let everyone involved in the conversation know that a participant has left.

TTFN might be said in place of "goodbye" because it sounds warmer and friendlier. It's typically used in casual conversations between friends, relatives, or other non-professional connections.

The Origins of TTFN

People who grew up watching Disney's Winnie the Pooh should be familiar with this acronym. The character of Tigger was known to say TTFN (followed by actually saying what it stood for—ta-ta for now) whenever he left the scene.

Examples of How TTFN Is Used

Example 1

Friend #1: "Alright, I'll see ya tomorrow."

Friend #2: "ttfn!"

In the first scenario above, Friend #1 sends a message/comment that suggests the conversation is over and then Friend #2 confirms that it is indeed over by choosing to say TTFN instead of "goodbye." It's simple, it's friendly, and it implies that both friends will be in contact again at some point in the future.

Example 2

Friend #1: "Really looking forward to the trip coming up!"

Friend #2: "Same! Gonna go pack, ttfn!!"

In the second scenario above, instead of using TTFN to confirm that the conversation has ended after someone else has already chosen to end it, Friend #2 decides to use the acronym as a quick sign-off. Friend #2 might reply with their own version of goodbye, but Friend #1 likely wouldn't reply because they'd have left the conversation already.

Saying "Goodbye" vs. Saying TTFN

TTFN might seem like a harmless way to say goodbye, but it's not necessarily appropriate to use in every situation. Here are some tips to consider for using TTFN and when you should probably just stick to saying "goodbye."

Say "goodbye" (or another appropriate term to mark the end of a conversation) when:

• You don't want to seem lazy about grammar and spelling. Whether you just wrote a lengthy email and double-checked it for errors or a blog post for a large audience, closing out the message would probably be best done with something grammatically correct to match the rest of the content.
• You're having a serious or professional conversation. Don't count on impressing a potential future employer or your college professor with your use of TTFN. If you're chatting about something important, stick with 'goodbye,' 'farewell,' 'best regards,' or something similar.
• You don't know the other person/people well enough to call them a friend. Remember that TTFN is a friendly, casual way to say goodbye. If you're chatting with an acquaintance or stranger, saying TTFN may not be the most appropriate way to end your conversation.

Say TTFN when:

• You're focused on speed and convenience when chatting. Let's face it—acronyms make online chatting and text messaging much faster and easier. If everyone involved in the conversation is into that too, then your use of TTFN to say goodbye might work.
• You're having a super casual conversation. If you're just making friendly conversation or engaging in small talk with someone, chances are TTFN will fit nicely in it when it's all been said and done. 
• You're friends with the other person/people or at least know them well enough. TTFN might work even in more focused or serious conversations if you're close with the other person/people involved.