What does TMI mean?
Too Much Information
Detailed Explanation
TMI is an acronym for 'Too Much Information.' It is used as a response to someone sharing details that are too personal, intimate, or graphic for the current social context. Saying 'TMI' is a way of signaling that the person has overshared and the information is making you uncomfortable.
Usage Examples
“He started telling me about his weird rash, and I had to stop him and say 'TMI!'”
“Okay, I didn't need to know about your bathroom habits. That's TMI.”
“My friend's stories are always hilarious, but sometimes a little TMI.”
Origin & History
TMI is a classic piece of internet and texting shorthand that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It became a necessary tool for navigating social boundaries in the new world of online chat where people sometimes shared more freely than they would in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMI be used as a self-correction?
Yes, people often use it after they realize they've overshared. For example, 'I was so sick last night... anyway, probably TMI, sorry!'