- Slang. Used in casual conversation among those highly familiar with text messaging or internet abbreviations. Primarily used by young people.
btdubs (2)
preposition; sound symbolism
By the way / for your information.
Etymology : First became a part of text speak where text or instant messaging abbreviations are read aloud as individual letters. Then the spoken aloud version was written out phonetically. Thus btdubs is derived: by the way > BTW > “b t w” (spoken) > “btdubs” (spoken) > btdubs (written). The clipping of “w” to “dubs” occurred recently in about 2010.
Source : “Btdubs, I’m coming in town tomorrow.” – friend’s facebook status, 9/2011
Last modified: 2 December 2011