Humor Web Humor What Is 'TTT' and Is It the Same as 'Bump'? Print Tara Moore/Getty Images Web Humor Memes Holiday Humor By Paul Gil Paul Gil Technology Writer and Developer University of Alberta Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Paul Gil is a tech expert, writer, and educator known for his dynamic internet and database courses and articles. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 12/04/19 TTT and bump are used to promote a discussion thread to the top of the recently active list. You will see the TTT (which stands for To The Top) and bump expressions in online discussion forums where some of the users are very experienced and know how to draw attention to specific discussion postings. Because most online discussion forums have a regularly-changing list that displays the recently active discussion threads, experienced users put this to their advantage. To promote a conversation, users will push the particular conversation topic to the top of the recent list by posting a reply; experienced users will do so by adding a very short reply with the words 'TTT' or 'bump'. While they could type anything to push the conversation to the top, TTT and bump are two of the most common expressions. Examples of TTT / Bump Usage Example 1 (Celehdring): TTT [theconsensusproject.com/ is a good place to see all the evidence of climate change organized for viewing] (Omita): Thanks for bumping that, Cele. Climate change deniers hate that page because they don't know to deal with facts, HAHA Example 2 (Nalora): Bump! To the top you go! [https://www.lifewire.com/free-and-public-dns-servers-2626062 has the updated list] (Elfncrazy): Thanks for that, Nalora. I knew that URL was in here somewhere! (Niav): I hadn't seen that link before. Thx for bumping that to the top, Nalora Expressions Related to TTT OP (Original Poster, the person who initiated the online conversation) QFT (Quoted for Truth, a type of forensic stamp or expression of support for an argument) Props (Proper Respect and Acknowledgement, an expression of support) How to Capitalize and Punctuate Web and Texting Abbreviations Capitalization is a non-concern when using text message abbreviations and chat jargon. You are welcome to use all uppercase (e.g. ROFL) or all lowercase (e.g. rofl), and the meaning is identical. Avoid typing entire sentences in uppercase, though, as that means shouting in online speak. Proper punctuation is similarly a non-concern with most text message abbreviations. For example, the abbreviation for 'Too Long, Didn't Read' can be abbreviated as TL,DR or as TLDR. Both are an acceptable format, with or without punctuation. Never use periods (dots) between your jargon letters. It would defeat the purpose of speeding up thumb typing. For example, ROFL would never be spelled R.O.F.L., and TTYL would never be spelled T.T.Y.L. Recommended Etiquette for Using Web and Texting Jargon Knowing when to use jargon in your messaging is about knowing who your audience is, knowing if the context is informal or professional, and then using good judgment. If you know the people well, and it is a personal and informal communication, then absolutely use abbreviation jargon. On the flip side, if you are just starting a friendship or professional relationship with the other person, then it is a good idea to avoid abbreviations until you have developed a relationship rapport. If the messaging is in a professional context with someone at work, or with a customer or vendor outside your company, then avoid abbreviations altogether. Using full word spellings shows professionalism and courtesy. It is much easier to err on the side of being too professional and then relax your communications over time than doing the inverse.