- A slang expression meaning That's true, I agree, or You're right.
- It's an emphatic way of confirming the truth or validity of a statement.
Explanation
Origin
- Originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE).
- It's a phonetic spelling and stylized pronunciation of True that.
- Gained wider popularity through hip-hop culture and media starting in the late 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Word.
- For real. / Fr (Online slang)
- No cap. (Slang, means 'no lie'/'truth')
- Bet. (Slang agreement)
- Facts. (Slang, emphasizing truth)
- I hear that. (Means 'I understand and agree')
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuckin' A. (Strong agreement)
- Damn right.
- No shit. (Implying something is obviously true)
Milder/Standard:
- That's certainly true.
- I agree completely.
- Indeed.
- Precisely.
Situational Appropriateness
- Very informal slang.
- Use primarily among friends or in very casual settings.
- Avoid in formal or professional contexts.
- Use by non-speakers of AAVE can sometimes be seen as appropriative or awkward if not done naturally or within an appropriate peer group.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning (That's true) is usually clear from context.
- The main issue is appropriateness – learners should understand it's very informal slang and be mindful of the cultural context (AAVE origin).
Examples
- Person A: Man, this traffic is terrible today. Person B: True dat.
- Person A: You gotta practice if you want to get good. Person B: True dat.
- Person A: Pizza fixes everything. Person B: True dat.
Dialogue
Jay: This history lecture is putting me to sleep.
Kai: True dat. Wish he'd make it more interesting.
Jay: Right? Like, tell some actual stories.
Social Media Examples
- Reply to a tweet complaining about gas prices: True dat. It's getting ridiculous. ⛽
- Comment on an Instagram post: Best tacos in the city! Reply: True dat 🙌
- Text message: Friend 1: Studying sucks. Friend 2: true dat 😩
Response Patterns
- The person whose statement was affirmed usually just accepts the agreement, maybe with a nod back or a Yeah.
- It generally concludes that specific point of agreement.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- As it's a statement of agreement, the conversation usually moves on to the next topic or elaborates on the agreed-upon point.
- Person A: Rent prices are insane.
- Person B: True dat.
- Person A (Follow-up): I don't know how people afford it.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response affirming a previous statement.
Intonation
- Often delivered with a firm nod or gesture of agreement.
- Can be quick and definitive.
- Emphasis on both words, TRUE DAT. Sometimes with a slight pause between them.
Generation Differences
- Associated more with younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z) who grew up with its popularization via hip-hop and internet culture, but understood by many Gen Xers too. Older generations are less likely to use it.
Regional Variations
- Originated in AAVE in the US, but spread globally through media and internet culture. Still most strongly associated with American slang.