This guide will give you all of the knowledge you need on the acronym WTC, including its meaning, usage, sentence examples, and more!
-
Kevin
-
February 18, 2021
-
Common Questions
Your writing, at its best
Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant
What does WTC stand for?
WTC is an abbreviation that is most commonly used to mean “what the crap” in internet slang, according to Cyber Definitions. “What the crap” is used to express incredulity or surprise, and is used interchangeable with other slang terms like WTH (what the heck) or WTF (what the f***.) This is a casual term that is commonly used in texting and on social media sites like Snapchat and Twitter.
Outside the United States, the Irish use this slang term as an acronym for “what’s the craic,” according to Urban Dictionary. This phrase holds similar meaning to the terms “what’s up” or “what’s happening”. Craic is an Irish word for fun or enjoyment. For example, a “craic killer” is someone who spoils someone else’s fun, similar to a “killjoy” or a “fun sucker.”
WTC also has a plethora of other less common meanings, listed below from The Free Dictionary and Acronym Finder. These may be used in more specific contexts or scenarios, so one should be sure to take the current context into consideration before assuming WTC means “what the crap?”
- World Trade Center (New York, Sri Lanka-Colombo, or Dubai)
- Washington Technology Center
- Wu Tang Clan
- World Triathlon Corporation
- Writing to Communicate (Education)
- Working Tax Credit
- Water Treatment Chemical
- Wireless Telephony Client
- Windows Terminal Controller
- World Touring Car
- Web Tier Consolidation
- Western Texas College
- World Technology Center
- Wind turbine Company
- Work Training Center
- Women’s Technology Cluster
- Wind Turbine Company
- Work Training Center
- Woodstock Theological Center
- Women’s Travel Club
- Way Too Cute
- Want to Craft (World of Warcraft)
- Waste Treatment Complex
- Wound Treatment Center
- Warfighter Technical Council (US Army)
- Working Time Calendar
- Wall Thickness Control
- World Telecommunications Conference
- Chief Weapons Technician (Naval Rating)
Is WTC casual or formal?
WTC, meaning “what the crap,” is an extremely casual phrase. This term should not be used in any sort of professional or formal settings, such as business emails, negotiations, letters, or other professional circumstances. Below is an example of a situation in which it would be inappropriate to use the phrase WTC, followed by a revised version.
Katie’s client Richard just missed an important meeting that Katie had set up for him. The people he was supposed to meet with are frustrated, and so is Katie. Katie emails Richard.
BAD:
Richard, WTC??? I remind u about this mtg 3 times and u still miss it! Did u sleep in or something? I told u this was important. WTH happened??? I deserve an explanation.
GOOD:
Richard,
I just got word that you did not attend the meeting we had set up. Is everything alright? I trust you are aware that this was very important and your attendance and punctuality were vital. Please give me a call when you can. Hope you are well.
Best,
Katie
In the second example, while Katie’s frustration comes across and she uses a firm tone with Richard, she still maintains her air of professionalism by not using abbreviations, chat speak, or expletives. One should not use WTC or any other slang term or text speak when communicating with a boss, client, coworker, or other professional contact.
How can WTC be used in a sentence?
WTC can be used in a variety of different ways, both to express happy surprise, or frustrated shock. In this first example, it will be used to show excited incredulity. Jamie is talking to her friend Maggie about their end of year exam results.
Maggie: I’m pretty happy. I got four A’s and three B’s. It’s not amazing but it’s better than I expected.
Jamie: That’s amazing! I am so proud of you!
Maggie: Thank you! How about you? What did you get?
Jamie: I got seven A’s.
Maggie: WTC?! Jamie, that’s amazing! Here I was prattling on about my four A’s when you got seven! I’m so proud of you.
Jamie: Thank you!
Here, Maggie uses WTC to express surprise and happiness for Jamie’s immaculate exam results. In the next example, WTC will be used to express frustrated surprise. Jacob is talking to Dennis, his coworker who he knows well, about their company’s new policies.
Jacob: Did u hear? Apparently we aren’t getting paid time and a half for overtime anymore. We are all going to have to sign new contracts.
Dennis: WTC?! That’s ridiculous! They can’t do that!
Jacob: I’m not sure of the legality of it all, but as at will employees, I think it is going to be a sign-or-be-let-go situation. I heard the company finances are not doing well and they are trying to save wherever they can.
Dennis: I’m so mad right now.
Jacob: Me too.
Here, Dennis uses WTC to express his anger and shock that the company will no longer be paying its employees more for working overtime.
What are synonyms for the acronym WTC?
There are many different phrases one can use to express the surprise or incredulity that the acronym WTC implies. These are listed below, from Word Hippo.
- What the heck
- What the Hell
- What in tarnation
- What in the world
- What in God’s name
- What the hey
- What the…
- What the f***
- What the dickens
- What the harry
Overall, WTC is an internet slang acronym that stands for “what the crap.” This phrase is used to express surprise, shock, or incredulity. This is a very casula phrase and should never be used in formal or professional circumstances. WTC, along with other acronyms like LOL, BRB, and WTF, should only be used casually when texting or instant messaging with friends and family.
Sources:
- https://www.cyberdefinitions.com/definitions/WTC.html#:~:text=WTC%20means%20%22What%20the%20Crap%3F%22
- https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=WTC
- https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Craic
- https://www.acronymfinder.com/Slang/WTC.html
- https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/WTC
- https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/another-word-for/what_the_hell.html
