What Does TC Mean in Texting and Online?

by
Paul Gil
Writer
Paul Gil, a former Lifewire writer who is also known for his dynamic internet and database courses and has been active in technology fields for over two decades.
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Paul Gil
Updated on April 17, 2020
reviewed by
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Jon Fisher
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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Article reviewed on Dec 15, 2020
Jon Fisher

The acronym TC means "take care." It's another way of saying goodbye in online chat rooms or by text or email. TC expresses polite, warm farewell sentiments toward a regular member of an online community, and is also a way to sign off a text exchange or email communication cordially and kindly.

This texting abbreviation is often spelled in lowercase letters as tc, but uppercase letters are just as acceptable.

When communicating by text, email, or chat, be careful not to type entire sentences in uppercase letters, as this is considered to be shouting, which is rude.

Examples of TC Usage

Example 1

(User 1): OK, peeps. I have to log off for the night, wife is calling me. See you guys tomorrow!​

(User 2): tc, man, see you tomorrow

(User 3): Thanks so much for your help today! TC!

(User 4): You've had a really tough week! tc this weekend

Example 2

(User 1): I had such a nice time tonight! See you at the meeting next week!

(User 2): Me too! TC and I'll see you next time.

Expressions Similar to TC

  • ADBB ("all done, bye-bye")
  • B4N ("bye for now")
  • BFN ("bye for now")
  • BBFN ("bye-bye for now")
  • CU ("see you")
  • TLC ("tender loving care")
  • TCB ("taking care of business")
  • TTFN ("ta ta for now")
  • TTYL ("talk to you later")

Capitalizing and Punctuating Web and Text Abbreviations

Capitalization is a non-concern when using text abbreviations and chat jargon. Use all uppercase (TC) or all lowercase letters (tc), and the meaning is identical.

Proper punctuation is similarly a non-concern with most text message abbreviations. For example, "too long, didn't read" can be abbreviated as TL;DR or TLDR. Both are acceptable.

Never use periods (dots) between your acronym letters; it would defeat the purpose of being a shortcut. For example, TTYL would never be T.T.Y.L. 

Recommended Etiquette for Web and Text Jargon 

When tempted to use an acronym, evaluate who your audience is. If you know someone well and it's a personal and informal communication, then absolutely use abbreviations. On the flip side, if you're just starting a friendship or professional relationship, avoid abbreviations until you've developed a rapport.

If messaging in a professional context with someone at work, or with a customer or vendor outside your company, avoid abbreviations altogether. Spelling out full words shows professionalism and courtesy. It's much smarter to err on the side of being too professional at first, and then relax your communication over time organically.

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