You’re scrolling through Snapchat and spot “TT” in someone’s story or message. No explanation. No clue what it’s supposed to mean. Just two letters and somehow, everyone else seems to get it.
That’s the thing with Snapchat. A lot happens in a few taps, and shorthand like “TT” can take on more than one meaning. Sometimes it shows up as a way to express emotions. Other times, it’s part of a trend. And in some cases, it carries a more playful tone.
If you’ve been trying to figure it out, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll walk through what “TT” actually means on Snapchat, why people use it, and how you can tell one meaning from another. We’ll also explore other popular Snapchat slang so you don’t feel left out of the loop.
Let’s break it down, starting with the version that might look like an emoji, even if it’s made of letters.
What does TT mean on Snapchat?
“TT” might look simple, but on Snapchat, it carries a few different meanings depending on how it’s used. Some people drop it in messages. Others use it in captions or on Snap stories. And while the letters never change, the meaning definitely does.
Here’s the short version: TT can mean a crying face, a trend called Transformation Tuesday, or a subtle reference to a thirst trap. Each one has its own vibe, and users rely on tone, emojis, and context to get their message across.
In the next few sections, we’ll break each meaning down with examples so you can spot the difference without guessing. Let’s start with the most common and perhaps most overlooked use: TT as a text-based emoji.
TT as a crying face (T_T or TT)
Before emojis took over, people used keyboard characters to show emotions. One of the earliest forms? T_T, a simple way to represent a crying face. Over time, some just shortened it to TT. You’ll still see both versions today, especially on Snapchat, where short messages and quick reactions are the norm.
The two capital Ts look like eyes with tears streaming down, kind of like a cartoon face sobbing. It’s used to show sadness, frustration, or being emotionally overwhelmed (in a funny or dramatic way). Unlike the 😭 emoji, it has a slightly playful tone. It’s not always deep sadness; sometimes it’s just a dramatic reaction to something small.
Examples of TT as a crying face:
- “I just dropped my fries… TT”
- “They canceled my favorite show TT”
- “That puppy video made me TT 🥺”
You’ll mostly see this in text messages, private snaps, or story replies. It’s a quick way to say, “I’m crying about this,” without actually crying.
Now that we’ve covered the emotional side, let’s look at how TT shows up as part of a popular Snapchat trend.
TT as Transformation Tuesday
On Snapchat, TT is also shorthand for Transformation Tuesday, a trend that’s all about showing change. It usually pops up in stories where someone shares a before-and-after moment. Something like childhood photo vs. now, old hairstyle vs. fresh cut, or a side-by-side of a fitness journey.
This use of TT didn’t start on Snapchat; it’s been around for years on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. But because Snapchat is built around visuals, it’s a natural fit for transformation posts. The idea is to show progress or growth, whether serious or just for fun.
It doesn’t always have to be deep or dramatic. Some people use it just to highlight a new outfit, makeup look, or even a silly change from one snap to the next. It’s a flexible trend and that’s part of why it stuck.
Examples of TT as Transformation Tuesday:
- “TT: 2018 me vs. now 🙈”
- “Hair glow-up for TT 🔥✨”
- “TT check. Still not over how far I’ve come 😮”
You’ll usually find these on public or private stories, sometimes paired with emojis or the #TT hashtag. It’s a way to reflect, celebrate, and sometimes just laugh at how things change.
Next up, let’s look at a less common, but still very real meaning of TT on Snapchat: the thirst trap.
TT as Thirst Trap
While not as widespread as the other meanings, TT is sometimes used on Snapchat to hint at a thirst trap—a confident or attention-grabbing photo meant to turn heads or spark reactions. It’s subtle, flirty, and usually tucked into captions when someone’s feeling bold.
In this context, TT might be dropped casually, often without spelling it out. You’ll mostly see it in private snaps or close friends’ stories. It’s not an official term like “streaks” or “SFS,” but within some circles, TT has become a low-key way to say, “Yes, this is that kind of snap.”
Unlike Transformation Tuesday, which leans wholesome or reflective, TT as a thirst trap, is about showing off in a fun or cheeky way. The intention might be playful, flirty, or just self-love, but it’s usually aimed at someone specific or posted with reactions in mind.
🟡 Examples of TT as thirst trap:
- “Just a lil TT 😏”
- “Tell me this ain’t a TT moment 💁♀️”
- “Felt cute. TT energy.”
That said, not everyone uses TT this way and not every flirty snap needs a label. This version of TT is more about tone and context than a solid definition.
Now that we’ve explored all three meanings, the next question is: How do you know which TT someone means?
TT in context: how to know which one it is
Since “TT” can mean more than one thing on Snapchat, the real trick is figuring out which meaning someone intends. The good news? It’s usually easy to tell when you look at the full picture, the snap itself, the tone, and the rest of the message.
Here’s how to tell them apart:
If it looks like this: “I just failed my test TT”
It’s the crying face. No doubt. When “TT” shows up in a sentence about something sad, frustrating, or disappointing, it’s meant to show someone’s feeling down, like a digital sigh or sob. Think of it like typing “T_T” or using the 😭 emoji.
If you see: “TT: Me in 2020 vs. Me now 💁♀️”
This one’s definitely Transformation Tuesday. These posts usually come with two photos, side by side, or a “then and now” vibe. They might focus on personal growth, new styles, fitness, or glow-ups.
If someone posts: “Just a little TT 😉” with a selfie
Here, TT is likely being used as a thirst trap reference. If there’s a confident pose, a flirty caption, or a bit of wink-wink energy, it’s probably not about crying or a glow-up. This is especially common in private snaps or close-friends stories.
Still not sure? Look for clues.
- Emojis help. 🥺 = emotional, 🔥 = confident, ✨ = glow-up
- Context matters. What else is in the photo or message?
- Who sent it? Close friends may use it jokingly; someone you barely know might use it more seriously.
Snapchat doesn’t come with definitions, so meanings often shift depending on the moment. When in doubt, go with your gut and maybe ask the person directly if you’re close.
Now that “TT” is clear, let’s look at other Snapchat slang that shows up just as often, and is just as easy to mix up.
Other popular Snapchat slang in 2025
Snapchat has always been about quick messages and even quicker reactions. So it’s no surprise that users rely heavily on shorthand, abbreviations, and slang to keep things flowing. If “TT” had you pausing, you’re definitely not alone, there’s a whole collection of Snap-specific terms that can make chats and stories feel like a new language.
Here are some of the most common slang terms you’ll see on Snapchat right now, plus what they mean and how they’re used:
SB – Snap Back
When someone sends you a snap and adds “SB,” they’re asking you to send one back. It’s a quick way to keep the conversation, or a streak, going.
Example:
“Bored. SB if you’re on 👀”
SFS – Shoutout for Shoutout
Used to help friends boost each other’s visibility, especially in public stories. If you tag someone, they return the favor.
Example:
“Doing SFS tonight! HMU 🫶”
STG – Streaks
Short for “streaks,” this appears when someone sends a daily snap to keep a Snapstreak going. It might be a blank snap, a random selfie, or just the word itself.
Example:
“STG 🔥💯”
HMU – Hit Me Up
A classic. “HMU” means someone wants you to message them or start a conversation.
Example:
“I’m free tonight. HMU 😌”
Glow-Up
Often tied to TT (Transformation Tuesday), a “glow-up” refers to someone leveling up their look, energy, or vibe.
Example:
“Lowkey a glow-up from last year ✨”
TTM – Talk To Me
Not to be confused with TT! TTM is used when someone wants a reply, a conversation, or just attention.
Example:
“I’m bored. TTM 😩”
Each of these terms helps keep Snap conversations light, fast, and easy. Some are borrowed from texting culture. Others are Snapchat-born. And just like TT, their meanings rely heavily on how and where they’re used.
Snapchat glossary: 30+ terms you should know
Snapchat lingo can feel like a secret code. And while you don’t need to memorize every single term, knowing a few of the popular ones can make the app easier (and more fun) to use.
Here’s a glossary of common Snapchat terms and what they mean in 2025:
- TT – This can mean a crying face, Transformation Tuesday, or sometimes Thirst Trap. Context is everything.
- T_T / TT – A text-based crying face, often used when someone feels sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
- SB – Short for “Snap Back.” It’s a way of asking someone to reply with a snap.
- SFS – Stands for “Shoutout for Shoutout.” It’s used when friends promote each other’s accounts to gain visibility.
- STG – Means “Streaks.” These are daily snaps sent to keep a Snapstreak alive.
- HMU – “Hit Me Up.” A casual way of saying “message me.”
- TTM – “Talk To Me.” Similar to HMU but more direct or urgent.
- Glow-Up – Refers to a noticeable improvement in appearance or confidence, often shown in before-and-after posts.
- OOTD – “Outfit of the Day.” Shared when someone wants to show off their look.
- POV – “Point of View.” Usually used to set a scene or joke from a specific perspective.
- Rizz – A newer slang word for charm or flirting ability. “He’s got rizz” means he knows how to win someone over.
- Delulu – Short for “delusional,” but often used in a playful or dramatic way.
- LYK – “Let You Know.” Usually seen when someone is unsure but will follow up.
- WYA – “Where You At?” A quick way to ask someone’s location.
- IDC / IDK – “I Don’t Care” / “I Don’t Know.”
- LMK – “Let Me Know.”
- IMY / ILY – “I Miss You” / “I Love You.”
- Tbh – “To be honest.” Often used when giving a compliment or honest thought.
- Slay – Means someone is doing great or looking amazing.
- Ghost Mode – A Snapchat setting that hides your location on the Snap Map.
- Tap to View – A phrase seen when viewing a friend’s story.
- Add for Streaks – A common line used by people trying to grow their Snapstreaks with new friends.
- Snacc – A playful way of calling someone attractive.
- W / L – Short for “Win” and “Loss.” People use this to react to different situations.
- 🔥 (Fire) – Shows something is cool, exciting, or impressive.
- Cap / No Cap – “Cap” means lie. “No cap” means truth. If someone says “That’s no cap,” they mean it’s honest.
- Finsta – A “fake Instagram” account used to post private or personal content. Sometimes mentioned on Snapchat too.
- Mutuals – People who have added each other back. If someone says “We’re mutuals,” it means they both follow each other.
Language on Snapchat moves quickly, but staying familiar with terms like these makes chatting, snapping, and understanding posts way easier.
Tips to keep up with Snapchat lingo
Snapchat slang changes fast. What’s trending today might feel old-school in a month. But the good news? You don’t need to memorize every new term or use them all at once. Staying in the loop is more about awareness than pressure.
Here are a few easy, low-effort ways to keep up:
- Watch how people use the slang, not just what it means: Context is your best teacher. Notice how words like “TT,” “rizz,” or “snap back” are used in captions or messages. Over time, the patterns will make sense.
- Follow people who use the app often: Younger creators, lifestyle vloggers, or meme pages on Snap, TikTok, or Instagram often use the latest slang without even trying to teach it. Watching their content is a casual way to learn.
- Don’t be afraid to ask: If someone sends something you don’t understand, it’s okay to reply with, “Wait, what’s TT?” Most people won’t mind explaining it and it usually leads to a fun chat.
- Use Urban Dictionary (carefully): Urban Dictionary is great for quick slang lookups, but not every definition is accurate or current. Use it to get a general idea, not gospel truth.
- Check Reddit or TikTok comments: Believe it or not, the comment section is where slang often gets explained in real time. If a term’s blowing up, someone’s already asked about it and someone else has answered.
- Don’t force it: You don’t need to speak in all abbreviations to fit in. Use what feels natural, ignore what doesn’t, and let your own voice shine through.
Wrapping up
By now, you’ve probably realized that “TT” isn’t just one thing. On Snapchat, it can show emotion, mark a trend, or even hint at something playful—all depending on how it’s used.
TT could mean:
- A crying face when typed like “T_T” or “TT” in a sad or emotional message
- Transformation Tuesday, when someone shares a before-and-after moment
- And sometimes, a light reference to a thirst trap, especially in a confident or flirty snap
The real key is context. Snapchat moves quickly, and slang like TT fits right in with how people share thoughts, photos, and feelings, often in just a few letters.
We also looked at other common terms, from “SB” and “HMU” to newer slang like “rizz” and “delulu.” While you don’t need to learn every word, understanding the basics makes Snapchat feel way less confusing and a lot more fun.
Whether you’re snapping with close friends or just watching stories, this guide should help you feel more confident navigating the lingo. And who knows? You might even drop a “TT” or two yourself.
