What does TIL mean?
Short for “Today I Learned,” used before sharing a newly discovered or surprising fact.
Also written: Today I Learned · Today I Learnt · T.I.L. · til
The meaning
TIL stands for “Today I Learned.” It usually introduces a fact, detail, or piece of knowledge that the writer has just discovered and thinks others may find interesting.
What’s the tone?
Informal, enthusiastic, and conversational. It presents information as a personal discovery rather than claiming that nobody else knew it.
When and how to use it
TIL commonly appears at the beginning of a post or sentence, as in “TIL that…” It can also name a fact-sharing post itself, but it does not guarantee that the information is new, surprising, or verified.
In a conversation
Original examples to illustrate the expression.
TIL that some sea turtles can breathe through specialized tissue near their tails.
My favorite TIL today was that the word ‘robot’ comes from a Czech play.
Easy to misread
TIL is different from ’til or till meaning “until.” It also differs from FYI, which simply calls attention to information, because TIL frames the fact as something the writer has newly learned.
A little context
TIL became a familiar label in online fact-sharing communities and later spread into general social posts and messages. Dictionary and editorial sources agree on the “Today I Learned” expansion and its role in introducing newly discovered information; no earliest-origin claim is made here.
Sources & further reading
These sources support the explanation. The dialogue above is original.
- TIL | English meaningCambridge Dictionary · Checked Oct 24, 2026
Defines TIL as the abbreviation for Today I Learned, used in writing before presenting interesting new information.
- What Does TIL Mean? The Abbreviation ExplainedYourDictionary · Checked Oct 24, 2026
Explains that TIL means Today I Learned, normally precedes a fact, and provides several public usage examples while distinguishing it from till and ’til.
- The ultimate internet glossary: from 4chan to ZyngaThe Guardian · Checked Oct 24, 2026
Lists TIL as Today I Learned among established internet community abbreviations, corroborating its durable online sense.
Prepared with AI assistance and automated quality checks. Meanings can vary by context. Read our editorial policy.