The Meaning of IDT: What It Is and How To Use It

This article will give you all of the information you need on the acronym IDT, including its definition, usage, origin, sentence examples, and more!

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What does IDT stand for?

The acronym IDT has a plethora of different meanings. The most commonly used meaning of the acronym is internet slang frequently used in texting and on social media – “I don’t think.” This can be used as a shorthand to talk about something in a negative sense. For example, one might send “IDT we are going to get off work early today” to a coworker via instant message. 

Acronym Finder and The Free Dictionary list a variety of different meanings for the abbreviation IDT, listed below.

  • Identity Theft
  • Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)
  • Interdisciplinary Team
  • Integrated DNA Technologies
  • Interrupt Descriptor Table
  • Inactive Duty Training
  • Integrated Document Technologies
  • It Dies Today (band)
  • Instructional Design & Technology
  • Inno Design Tech
  • Interdepartmental Transfer
  • Inter-Digital Transducer
  • Israel Daylight Time (UTC +3 Hours)
  • Independent Developmental Tester
  • International Discount Telecom
  • Interrupt Dispatch Time (Linux)
  • Information Dissemination and Training
  • Initial Deformation Temperature
  • Individual Duty Training
  • Internet Directory Trust

Is IDT casual or formal?

IDT is a casual piece of internet slang that should only be used in informal settings. Slang terms should never be used in professional emails, negotiations, letters, or other formal situations. Below is an example of a situation in which the abbreviation IDT would not be appropriate to use, followed by a revised version.

Ronald got into a car accident on his way to work. He emails his boss, Rainna.

BAD:

Hey Rainna, I got in a car accident when I was on my way in. IDT I’m gonna b in on time I’m rly sry. I’ll b there ASAP I just gotta deal with insurance n stuff u know?? -R

GOOD:

Hi Rainna,

I apologize for the early email; I was involved in a car accident on my way to work and unfortunately will not be in on time today. I will be there as soon as myself and the other driver have exchanged insurance information and I can find a ride. I apologize again for my tardiness.

Best,

Ronald

Here, one can see the unprofessional jargon of the first email in contrast with the formal nature of the second. The second email eliminates all text speak and run on sentences, as well as structures the email properly.

How can IDT be used in a sentence?

IDT is commonly used in texting, instant messaging, and on social media. Below are a few examples in which IDT is appropriate to use. In the first example, Rosa and Felicia are seniors in high school who are texting about where they want to go to college.

Rosa: I want to go to a big city, like New York or Boston. What do u think?

Felicia: IDK… IDT the big city really suits you. We’ve never been out of this small town and it might be overwhelming. U don’t like loud noises or busy places. But I support u no matter what!

Rosa: No, ur right. It’s something to consider. I won’t apply to only city schools.

Here, Felicia uses the term IDT to show Rosa that she doesn’t think, or isn’t sure that the big city is the right place for Felicia. The two sprinkle their conversation with other texting slang, so IDT does not feel out of place or forced.

Next, Jack is texting Ciaran about the night’s plans.

Jack: So first, I figured we could hit the pub for a drink. Then, we can watch the movie. It’s not too long so we probably have time for dinner or something after at a place nearby.

Ciaran: I’m so sry, IDT I can go. I’ve had food poisoning all day and if it’s contagious IDW2 give it to u.

Jack: Oh no! Feel better! We can 4 sure reschedule.

Here, Ciaran uses IDT to show that he doesn’t think he feels well enough to go. Similarly to the first example, this phrase is used as a shorthand in text. Third, coworkers Malina and Siena instant message each other before a lunch meeting.

Malina: I heard they ordered from Greasy Joe again. Barf.

Siena: IDT that’s true! I saw a massive bag from Cilantro Lady in the lobby.

Malina: OMG, that just turned my whole day around. Cilantro Lady is my FAVE.

Siena: LOL, that’s the only thing that will get me thru this mtg.

Malina: Same!

Here, Siena uses IDT to tell Malina she believes her to be mistaken about where the company ordered lunch from.

What are similar phrases to the acronym IDT?

There are many internet slang acronyms that are similar to the phrase IDT. Some of these phrases may be difficult to decipher if one has never seen them before!

  • IDK – I don’t know
  • IDC – I don’t care
  • IDTS – I don’t think so
  • IDEK – I don’t even know
  • IDFWU – I don’t f*** with you
  • IDS – I’m dead serious
  • ILY – I love you
  • IRL – In real life
  • IIRC – If I recall correctly
  • IMO – In my opinion
  • IMHO – In my humble opinion
  • IOW – In other words

Below is a list of phrases that can be considered synonyms for the phrase “I don’t think,” from Thesaurus. While these are not abbreviated like IDT, these can be used in place of the phrase IDT for situations in which using text and chat speak is not appropriate.

  • I don’t believe
  • I don’t anticipate 
  • I don’t assume 
  • I don’t suspect 
  • I don’t expect 
  • I don’t presume
  • I don’t suppose
  • I don’t reckon
  • I don’t guess
  • I don’t imagine

Overall, while the abbreviation IDT can have many meanings, its most common is used in texting, instant messaging, or on social media. Here, the acronym stands for “I don’t think,” and is used to discuss things that are doubtful or negative. The phrase is also commonly seen as IDTS, which stands for “I don’t think so.”

Sources:

  1. https://www.acronymfinder.com/IDT.html
  2. https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/IDT
  3. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/think