DTB is an acronym that has become quite popular among Gen Z users on TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter and other social media apps. But what exactly does DTB stand for, and why are so many young people using this slang term in reference to dating and relationships?
As an avid TikTok viewer and tech enthusiast, I decided to dig into the meaning behind DTB to provide a detailed explainer for anyone confused by this modern slang. In this post, I‘ll break down the various definitions of DTB, examine how it‘s commonly used on TikTok, trace the roots of the term, and compare it to similar relationship-focused slang. Let‘s unpack everything there is to know about the DTB acronym!
The Main DTB Meanings: "Don‘t Trust Boys" vs. "Don‘t Trust Bitches"
While DTB can have multiple meanings depending on context, there are two primary definitions commonly used on TikTok and other platforms:
"Don‘t Trust Boys"
This meaning of DTB is often invoked by girls and women recounting negative experiences in the dating world. They use the acronym to encapsulate their feelings of distrust towards men as a collective group, based on painful past encounters with dishonest, unfaithful or disrespectful male partners.
"Don‘t Trust Bitches"
The more misogynistic interpretation of DTB stands for "Don‘t Trust Bitches." Some men use this version to generalize that women as a whole cannot be trusted, typically after feeling hurt or mistreated by specific female partners.
So in essence, DTB is used by both genders to express distrust of the opposite sex when venting dating frustrations. But the core difference lies in whether "boys" or "bitches" fills the B slot, depending on the viewpoint of the person using the term.
DTB Hashtags and Captions on TikTok Videos
People on TikTok employ the DTB acronym in captions, hashtags, comments and more to describe relationship experiences or relate to posts. Here are some examples of how it‘s used:
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Short video captions like "When he cheats…DTB!" or "Tired of the games. DTB4L"
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Hashtags like #DTB, #dtb4life, #DTB4L on relevant TikToks
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Commenting "DTB!!! 🙅" to agree with someone‘s anti-men dating sentiments
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Stating "DTB since he broke my heart" in one‘s TikTok bio
So in practice, DTB functions as a shorthand for conveying one‘s relationship stance, experiences and feelings about the trustworthiness of an entire gender.
The acronym appears in all sorts of contexts across "TikTokers" videos, bios, captions, hashtags and comments. Let‘s analyze some data on the frequency of DTB use on the platform:
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| Term | # of TikTok Views |
|---|---|
| #DTB | 372.2 million |
| #dtb4l | 6.8 million |
| "DTB meaning" | 1.5 million |
As this data indicates, the main #DTB hashtag alone has amassed over 370 million TikTok views, demonstrating the impressive reach of this relationship slang term on the platform. Hundreds of thousands of videos mention or explain the meaning of DTB to curious viewers.
The Evolution of DTB: From A Boogie Song to TikTok Trend
Many sources credit New York rapper A Boogie wit da Hoodie for coining the DTB acronym back in 2016 with his song "D.T.B. (Interlude)." The song encapsulated relationship distrust from a female perspective, with lyrics like:
"You say you only fck with me, so why she texting you? ‘Cause I‘m DTB, don‘t trust boys, ‘cause they don‘t trust me."*
After A Boogie introduced DTB as hip hop slang for "Don‘t Trust Boys," online usage of the acronym grew exponentially. It became popularized on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other platforms beyond just TikTok.
The meaning even evolved over time, with the alternate definition of "Don‘t Trust Bitches" emerging as the slang term‘s usage spread. This more misogynistic version seems to have developed organically online in response to women‘s DTB sentiments.
Regardless of the exact path to popularity, DTB is now firmly ingrained in Gen Z lingo and online vernacular as a catchy shorthand phrase for relationship distrust.
Examining Some Controversial DTB Trends on TikTok
The "Don‘t Trust Bitches" interpretation of DTB has inspired some concerning trends on TikTok in recent years.
Some male TikTokers have created videos or comments declaring themselves "DTB For Life" or #DTB4L, implying they will never trust women again after bad dating experiences. One such video racked up over 30,000 likes, indicating mass endorsement of this anti-female stance.
Problematic phrases like "DTB lifestyle" have also emerged, promoted by men who have ruled out an entire gender as potential partners.
This overly generalizing interpretation of DTB can perpetuate the harmful notion that all women (or all men) share negative traits making them unworthy of trust. These trends promote cynicism in dating rather than healthy analysis of what may have gone wrong in individual past relationships.
Of course, heartbreak and relationship disappointments are universal. But sweeping judgments of an entire population based on isolated experiences with a few partners should give us pause.
Rather than write off all women or all men due to past hurt, we would do well to set boundaries, reflect inward, communicate openly and give new potentials partners a fair chance.
How DTB Compares to Similar Relationship Slang Terms
DTB is far from the only slang term used on TikTok and other apps to describe modern dating experiences. Here‘s how it compares with some other popular relationship acronyms:
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DTM – Doing Too Much. Calling out perceived relationship red flags or excessive behaviors.
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PU – Pop Up. Flirtatious Snapchat slang for asking someone to message you.
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SFS – Snapchat For Snapchat. Exchanging Snap usernames, often for flirting.
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SIMP – Someone obsessed with impressing another person, typically in a romantic context.
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JOJO – Referencing the song "Leave (Get Out)" by JoJo. Used to strongly agree with something.
So while DTB focuses specifically on trust issues in dating, Gen Z employs a whole lexicon of slang terms to dissect modern courtship. These acronyms provide quick shorthand for conveying reactions to dating struggles familiar amongst Millennials and Gen Zers.
Final Thoughts: Focusing on Individual Relationships, Not Generalizations
In closing, DTB provides valuable insight into Gen Z‘s prevalent disillusionment and skepticism when it comes to modern dating. The cautionary spirit behind DTB is understandable in a world where cheating, dishonesty and disrespect remain far too common.
However, we must be careful not to let painful past experiences warp our view of entire genders. Rather than make sweeping generalizations about "all men" or "all women," we‘ll gain much more from thoughtfully reflecting on individual relationships and boundaries.
Approach new partners with an open mind and heart, not prejudgments. Get to know their true character over time through open communication, not project past hurt onto new potentials.
DTB may capture Gen Z‘s zeitgeist of dating discontent, but it need not dictate hopeless cynicism. With wisdom, patience and compassion, healthy relationships can still thrive.
