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

This guide will provide all of the necessary knowledge on the acronym IDTS, including its definition, usage, sentence examples, and more!

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What does the abbreviation IDTS stand for?

The most common meaning of the acronym IDTS is used frequently in texting. According to Urban Dictionary, IDTS stands for “I don’t think so.” This phrase is used to mean “no.” This can either be used when one is not entirely certain that they are correct, or to convey sarcasm, according to Dictionary.

Aside from its common meaning in text speak, IDTS has a variety of other meaning in both the medical field and other areas. These are listed below from All Acronyms.

  • Integrated Drug Treatment System
  • Inventory of Drug-Taking Solutions
  • ICM/Got-Translocated Substrates
  • Idiosyncratic Drug Toxicities
  • Interaural Differences of Time
  • Interdigital Transducers
  • Interdisciplinary Teams
  • Intradermal Tests
  • Invasive Dental Treatments
  • International Dance Teaching Standards
  • Independent Drive Tests
  • Indole Diterpenes
  • Integrated Data Test System 
  • Integrated Data Transport System
  • Integrated Data Telecommunications System
  • Integrated Digital Telecommunications System
  • Instructional Design & Technology Society
  • Integrated Development Test Schedule

Is IDTS casual or formal?

IDTS is an exclusively casually acronym which should never be used in formal or professional settings. While it is perfectly acceptable to use IDTS when text messaging with family and friends or on social media, one should steer clear of incorporating the internet slang IDTS into professional emails, resumes, or letters. Below is an example of a situation in which IDTS should not be used, along with a revised professional version.

Kara’s work was broken into the night before, and Kara was the one to close up shop. Kara’s boss emails her asking what she saw, and if she left the door unlocked or anything open. Kara replies with the following.

BAD:

Hey I didn’t rly (really) c anything when I left last nite. As 4 if I left the door open, IDTS. I mean there’s always a chance LOL (laughing out loud) but I’m pretty sure I locked it. Sry abt the break in :’-(

GOOD:

Hi Jeff,

I am so sorry to hear about the break-in. I hope everybody is safe. I unfortunately did not see anything out of the ordinary when I closed last night. I always triple check the doors and windows, and I am certain that I locked them up last night. Let me know if I can be of assistance in any way.

Best,

Kara

This would be an inappropriate setting to use the phrase IDTS. Kara should respond to her boss with a professional email. No slang words, emojis, or text speak are appropriate for this situation.

How can IDTS be used in a sentence?

There are a plethora of ways in which IDTS can be used in a sentence or as a response to someone else. A couple of these examples are below! In the first example, Henrie was out sick from school. She texts Scottie to ask about the homework for the day.

Henrie: Hey, did we have any math homework?

Scottie: IDTS!

Henrie: …You don’t think so, or no?

Scottie: TBH (to be honest) I wasn’t really paying attention in class, but I’m like 70% sure we didn’t.

Henrie: LOL (laughing out loud), NP (no problem). I’ll ask Marie, and I’ll LYK (let you know) what she says!

Scottie: TY! (Thank you!)

Here, Scottie uses IDTS because she is pretty sure they did not have math homework, but she’s not 100% certain. Next, Henrie and Scottie are texting each other about who they want to take to the dance.

Scottie: I think I’m gonna ask Kev. He’s my lab partner in chemistry and we’re on the swim team together. I think he would be a really fun date!

Henrie: Totally! I have no clue who to ask.

Scottie: How about Jack? Or Michael? You know both of them pretty well.

Henrie: Hmmm, IDTS. Michael has always had a crush on me and I don’t feel the same way, and I know Marie is really into Jack so I want to give her the chance to ask him out.

Scottie: Fair enough! Don’t worry, we’ll find you someone!

Here, Henrie uses the acronym IDTS to tell Scottie that she’s not a fan of either of Scottie’s suggestions, but gently. Both of these casual scenarios are the perfect opportunity to use text slang like IDTS.

What are related acronyms and synonyms to IDTS?

There are many texting acronyms that shorten phrases that begin with the words “I don’t,” or other phrases “ID” can stand for. These are listed below, alongside their meanings.

  • IDK – I don’t know.
  • IDC – I don’t care.
  • IDGAF – I don’t give a f***.
  • IDW – I don’t want.
  • IDWT – I don’t want to.
  • IDEK – I don’t even know.
  • IDS – I’m dead serious
  • IDM – It doesn’t matter.

Classic Thesaurus lists many synonyms for the acronym IDTS. While IDTs would likely not be used when speaking aloud, many of these common phrases are frequently used when speaking as well as texting.

  • I guess not
  • Hell no
  • I disagree
  • I don’t believe so
  • I don’t think that
  • No way José
  • I think not
  • Not on your life
  • Absolutely not
  • By no means
  • It doesn’t appear that way
  • It doesn’t look that way
  • It doesn’t seem/sound like that
  • I’m not so sure

Overall, the acronym IDTS stands for “I don’t think so” in most circumstances. This is a phrase that is used frequently when SMS texting or on social media. This is a casual phrase that is not appropriate to use in formal or professional settings. People should only use IDTS when texting with people they are casual or familiar with, like friends and family.

Sources:

  1. https://www.allacronyms.com/IDTS/medical
  2. https://www.danceteachingstandards.com/
  3. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=idts
  4. https://www.dictionary.com/e/acronyms/idts/#:~:text=IDTS%20is%20an%20acronym%20that,IDGAF
  5. https://www.classicthesaurus.com/i_don%27t_think_so