What Does “TOTM” Mean? Plus, When & How to Use It

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Discover what “TOTM” means, according to GenZ
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You may have seen “TOTM” over text or social media, but what exactly does it mean? This popular acronym stands for “Time of the month,” and it refers to the time when someone is on their period. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about “TOTM,” including its meaning, usage, and alternative phrases, plus other popular abbreviations you can add to your slang vocabulary.

Things You Should Know

  • “TOTM” is a shortened version of the phrase “Time of the month,” which refers to a menstrual period.
  • Use “TOTM” to explain your PMS symptoms or get out of plans at the last minute.
  • Alternatively, “TOTM” may mean “Top of the morning” or “Tailored Operational Training Meal.”
Section 1 of 4:

What does “TOTM” mean?

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  1. Used in text messages and over social media, “TOTM” refers to the time when a person is menstruating, or on their period. [1] It can be used in casual exchanges with close friends, family members, and romantic partners.
    • “FYI, it’s that TOTM, so I don’t want to stay out too late.”
    • “Ugh, I keep craving fried foods because it’s the TOTM for me.”
    • “I’m not in the mood to argue. I’m too tired, and it’s that TOTM.”
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Section 2 of 4:

When & How to Use “TOTM”

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  1. Did you accidentally shout at a loved one or overreact to a comment that they made? Send a quick “TOTM” text message to apologize for your behavior and explain why you might be more sensitive than usual. Some common PMS symptoms include: mood swings, irritability, insomnia, headache, fatigue, and cramping. [2]
    • “What’s wrong?” “TOTM.”
    • “Sorry for snapping at you earlier. It’s that TOTM.”
    • “I understand why I kept crying last week. It’s the TOTM for me.”
  2. Text “TOTM” to politely cancel plans . Have upcoming plans that you really regret agreeing to? Mention that it’s that “TOTM” to get out of them at the last minute. Most people won’t question your excuse, so it’s one of the best ways to cancel on someone without hurting their feelings—just make sure you don’t pull this one too often or get caught in the lie!
    • Them: “You’re still meeting us at the beach, right?”
    • You: “I’m so sorry, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it. It’s that TOTM.”
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Section 3 of 4:

Alternative Meanings of “TOTM”

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  1. This Irish expression is used to greet someone in the morning, and it’s the English equivalent of saying “Have a good day.” [3] Since it’s a casual and cheerful way to say hello, use it anytime you want to make someone smile or lift their spirits.
    • “You: “Ello, gov’nor🫡”
    • Them: “🤣🤣🤣 Top of the morning to you!”
  2. In the military, a TOTM is a lightweight packaged meal that’s meant to be a lower-calorie “sack lunch” version of the Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE). It usually contains a MRE entree, wet-pack fruit, a beverage base, flameless heater, dining kit, and other assorted components, and it’s used for inactive duty training. [4]
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Section 4 of 4:

Other Popular Slang Words

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  1. This popular abbreviation stands for “Do Not Disturb,” and it’s used to tell someone that you don’t wish to be contacted for the time being. [5] Text “DND” to your loved ones if you’re about to take a nap, enter a meeting, or just need some alone time. Or, send it to close colleagues if you’re planning to go on vacation.
    • “My exam is in 10 minutes, DND🤫”
    • “DND, I’m about to walk in for my interview.”
    • “I’m going to be on vacation until next Friday, so DND.”
  2. Lots of people physically shake their heads when they’re disappointed, and “SMH” is a simple way of putting that physical motion into text form. It stands for “Shaking my head,” so throw it in the chat anytime you want to express disapproval or annoyance about something. [6]
    • “My tutor arrived 45 minutes late SMH.”
    • “SMH they just ran out of espresso at Starbucks🙄”
    • “My coworker just went off on me SMH. Trying to keep my cool😤”
  3. This is a short and simple way of saying “Got to go,” and it’s used to politely end a text conversation . [7] If you have upcoming plans you need to attend, drop “GTG” to let the other person know you have to leave.
    • “GTG, class is starting!”
    • “GTG, it’s my turn at the DMV.”
    • “I have to pick up my mom from the airport. GTG✈️”
  4. Drop this abbreviation when you want to check if someone’s being silly or serious over text. It stands for “For real,” and it’s another way of saying “Seriously?” or “Really?” [8]
    • Them: “Guess who just made an A+ on her physics final?”
    • You: “No way, FR?! Congratulations🎉”
  5. This short abbreviation means “My bad,” and it’s a casual way to apologize without making a big deal out of the situation. It could be for a minor mistake like accidently but-dialing someone, showing up late to pick them up, or forgetting to return something you borrowed. [9]
    • Them: “Just wanted to check that you’re still picking me up?”
    • You: “Oh crap, I thought it was Friday. MB! Heading over ASAP!!”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/time-of-the-month
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
      3. ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/the-top-of-the-morning
      4. ↑ https://www.dla.mil/Troop-Support/Subsistence/Operational-rations/TOTM/
      5. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/dnd
      6. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/what-does-smh-mean-shaking-my-head
      7. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/acronyms/gtg/
      8. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/fr
      9. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/mb

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