What Does GTG Mean? Texting, Social Media, Usage & More

An overview of the GTG acronym, including its definition, how to use it, and how to reply to it over text and social media

Co-authored by Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: December 19, 2022

What does GTG mean in texting?

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How to Use GTG

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How to Reply to GTG

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Alternate Versions of GTG

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History of GTG

If you’re unfamiliar with current popular texting lingo, seeing the abbreviation GTG pop up on a messaging app can be super confusing. Not to worry: we’re here to help. We’ve prepared a handy guide covering every meaning and use of GTG, complete with examples to show you how to incorporate it into your texts. Keep reading to learn more about this widely-used acronym!

Things You Should Know

GTG most often stands for “Got to go,” though it can also stand for “Good to go” in the right context.
Use GTG to say goodbye or quickly log off a messaging app when you’re busy. You can even use it as an excuse to stop texting someone you don’t like.
When someone uses GTG to end the conversation, respond with "goodbye" and ask when you can text or message them again.

Section 1 of 5:

What does GTG mean in texting?

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GTG stands for “Got to go!” When someone is in a hurry or needs to end a conversation, it’s common to say things like, “Well, I’ve got to run!” or “Bye,” and GTG is synonymous with those phrases. It can mean you’re leaving, busy, or want to stop talking. Among gamers, it’s also common to use GTG when it’s time to log off, indicating that they’re done playing.^{[1]
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- “Oop, it’s time to head to work! GTG!”
- “It’s midnight already?? GTG! 😴”
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GTG is also shorthand for “Good to go.” When you want to reassure someone that you’re okay or that you’re ready to do something, “Good to go” can convey that message. It’s pretty easy to tell when someone means “Good to go” based on context; if they say, “I’m GTG” or “Everything is GTG,” it’s safe to assume they’re saying, “Good to go.”^{[2]
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Research source} For example:
- Person 1: “Ready to hop on the video call?”
- Person 2: “Yep, I’m GTG!”

Section 2 of 5:

How to Use GTG

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Write GTG in place of a casual “goodbye.” After a text (or social media) conversation starts slowing down or reaches its natural stopping point, use GTG to end the exchange. It’s a casual way to say goodbye, signaling to someone that the conversation is over and you’re about to go and do something else.
- “Anyway, I GTG. Can’t wait to hang out tomorrow! 😊”
- “GTG! Send me a text when you're coming to town, though—I’d love to see you!”
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Use GTG to explain that you're in a hurry or have immediate plans. Time flies when you’re having fun—and when you’re texting friends! Use GTG to tell someone when you need to dash. Whether you’re texting, chatting online, or playing an online game, GTG also implies that you won’t be able to respond for a little while because you’re busy.^{[3]
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- “Aw, I GTG. Need to do some work. Maybe we can pick this up later?”
- “Oh, shoot, I GTG! I’m late for a date! 😬”
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Send GTG as an excuse when you want to stop texting someone. Everyone has gotten a message from someone they’d rather not talk to at some point. If you want to end the conversation but don’t want them to feel bad, use GTG as an easy excuse to stop messaging.
- “Anyway, I GTG. It was cool hearing from you, though!”
- “Hey, sorry, I actually GTG now. Work has been insane lately!”
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Confirm your plans with someone using GTG. Telling a friend or partner that you’re “good to go” is an easy way to signal that you’re ready and willing to spend time with them (or do whatever it is that you planned). You can use GTG in a wide range of situations, whether you’re about to head out for a party or checking in to verify plans after feeling under the weather.^{[4]
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- “Hey, are you almost here? I’m GTG and ready for a party!! 🥳”
- “I’m feeling much better! With some water and rest, I’ll be GTG for tomorrow. 😁”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Reply to GTG

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Say “goodbye” to them when they use GTG to end a conversation. When your pal signs off of social media or sends you a farewell text, the simplest response is a friendly goodbye. If they tell you what they’re up to that day, you can always wish them well at the same time.^{[5]
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- Person 1: “I GTG. Talk again later?”
- Person 2: “For sure! Bye 😊 Have fun at your family dinner!”
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Ask when you can talk again if they have plans or need to dash. Sometimes your texting buddy might check out suddenly because they need to do something. You can always just say goodbye when this happens, but if the conversation feels like it got cut off halfway through, you could also ask if there’s another date and time to pick the discussion back up.
- Person 1: “GTG! I’m late for class!”
- Person 2: “Okay! Talk to you later. Can I text you when you’re done with class?”
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Express your appreciation when someone confirms plans with you. If a friend uses GTG to tell you they’re “good to go,” you can always thank them for clarifying their plans. Plus, you can express excitement for whatever it is you’re doing together.
- Person 1: “Hey, if I pick you up for the movie in 30 minutes, is that okay?”
- Person 2: “Yeah! Got done with work early so I’m GTG!”
- Person 1: “Awesome! I can’t wait! 😄”

Section 4 of 5:

Alternate Versions of GTG

Sometimes GTG is alternatively spelled G2G. This abbreviation has the same meaning as the original—”Got to go” or “Good to go,” depending on context. Writing G2G is like saying “got 2 go” and using the number 2 instead of the word “to,” which is common in texting lingo.
- “My bus is gonna be here any minute! G2G!”
- “I G2G. Promised my mom I’d help her out with something!”

Section 5 of 5:

History of GTG

GTG originated in the 1990s to give status updates via IRC technology. In the early days of IRC (Internet Relay Chat, or instant messaging), not only were there finite screen sizes and character limits, but there were no straightforward ways to update your status and say you were logging off. Thus, GTG become an easy way of updating your status.
- GTG’s popularity kept taking off in the 2000s when instant messaging and SMS texting became common.
- The acronym continues to be widely used on current messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and so on.