TLDR, or TL;DR, stands for too long; didn't read. As a reply to someone's post, it sounds dismissive. But more often the writer adds TL;DR before a short summary: TL;DR: the event is still on, but the venue has changed. In a business document, use Summary instead.
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TL;DR = too long; didn't read; TL;DR: + summary; a TL;DR of something
- TL;DR: the event is still on, but the venue has changed.
- I added a TL;DR at the top for anyone reading on their phone.
- Could you give me a TL;DR of the discussion?
What changed
First versionTL;DR: all the details are in the attached file.
RevisionTL;DR: the deadline has moved to Friday.
TL;DR is easy to take as a label meaning details below. But after it readers expect the summary itself: what was decided, what changed. A pointer to a file tells them nothing, while the deadline has moved to Friday gives the point right away.
In short and to sum up are neutral ways to summarise in writing. TL;DR is an internet format: posts, chats, long emails to friends and colleagues.
Your turn
Which line actually supplies a TL;DR?
Show the answer
Keep the current supplier and review the contract in June. — A TL;DR needs a concrete conclusion: keep the supplier and review the contract in June. The number of chapters describes the report, not the decision.
Imagine a long thread about an event or project and write a one-sentence TL;DR for it.
TL;DR: the workshop will be online, and registration closes on Tuesday.
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