Tho Meaning: What Does the Useful Term “THO” Mean?

What does Tho mean? Since people have been using the internet, they have invented ways to communicate easier and quicker through internet slang terms, abbreviations and acronyms. One of these includes the use of the term “tho.” In the article below, you will find the meaning of this term and any information available regarding its origin.

You will also discover some other meanings for this term if any exist and explore sample conversations of how this term is used correctly in electronic communication. Finally, the article will end with some suggestions regarding how this term can be said differently and still mean the same thing.

Tho Meaning

The internet slang term “tho” is a contraction or a shorthand version of the English word “though.” It is used to mean “on the contrary” or more simply, “however.”

Origin of Tho

There is no specific year mentioned as to the origin of the term “tho” in place of though. It is thought to have originated among internet users in urban areas first and then spread out widely with the rise in popularity of social media. It was used as a way to shortened and easier way to type the word though without typing it completely out reducing time in sending electronic communication back and forth. This is typically what happens when a new phrase is introduced after it is seen and used by many people.

Example Conversations

A text conversation between two friends.

• Friend 1: Didn’t you say you were going to the mall with your mom after school today?
• Friend 2: Yeah, I don’t know if we are going for sure tho, why?
• Friend 1: Oh, no big deal. I was just wondering if your mom might let me tag along with the two of you.
• Friend 2: I am sure she won’t care. I’ll meet you after school by the front doors.

An online conversation between two social media users.

• User 1: The food in the cafeteria at our school sucks!
• User 2: You are right! I like the pizza tho!
• User 1: LOL! True, but that’s the only thing that tastes good. The only reason that tastes good is because they don’t make it tho. They order it out!
• User 2: Fair point!

Alternatives to “Tho”

There are many choices available to using the shorthand or contractual derivation “tho” and some of these include:

• spelling out the entire word; though
• however
• on the other hand

Tho Meaning Infographic