Slang meaning
What does TBC mean?
TBC has two common meanings: “to be continued” and “to be confirmed.” Which one applies depends on whether someone is telling a story or talking about a plan that isn’t settled.
Updated 6 October 2026
TBC means “to be continued” on stories and series, or “to be confirmed” when a plan or detail isn’t settled yet.
What TBC can mean
1. To be confirmed
In plans, listings and work chats, TBC says the detail isn’t fixed yet. “Venue: TBC” means the place hasn’t been decided. It is especially common in British English, where it is used where Americans often write “to be determined” instead.
2. To be continued
On a post, Story or caption, TBC means the story carries on. A creator who writes “part 1, tbc” is promising a second part. It echoes the old “to be continued” card at the end of a serial episode.
How people use it on Instagram and Facebook
Instagram captions and carousels
Storytime creators finish a post with “tbc” or “to be continued…” so people follow for the next part. On a carousel it may sit on the last slide.
Event posts and Stories
Listings for gigs, markets and pop-ups often show “Time: TBC” or “Guest: TBC” while details are still being sorted out. Treat it as a gap still to be filled, not a promise.
Facebook events and group chats
Organisers write “location TBC” on an event, and friends use it for loose plans: “drinks Saturday, time tbc.” It means someone still has to decide.
TBC in real conversations
- Captionthe worst date of my life, part 1. tbc 👀
- Instagram commentwhat time is the market opening?Times are tbc, we'll post as soon as the council confirms
- Direct messagestill on for Saturday?yes but time tbc, waiting on my shift rota
- Facebook commentSummer fair 14th, venue TBC. Updates to follow.
How to reply to TBC
Where it comes from
“To be continued” was a long-standing note at the end of an instalment in serialised fiction and television, and the three-letter form followed in texting. “To be confirmed” is a standard phrase in British business and event listings.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between TBC and “to be determined”?
TBC (“to be confirmed”) suggests a plan exists and needs final approval. “To be determined” suggests nothing has been decided yet. In everyday use people mix them, and TBC is the more British choice.
How can I tell whether TBC means “continued” or “confirmed”?
Look at what it is attached to. After a story, “part 1,” or a cliffhanger, it means continued. Beside a time, venue, price or name, it means confirmed.
Is TBC a promise that something will happen?
No. It tells you the detail is open. For events, plan around the details that are firm, and check back for the confirmed one. For a creator’s “tbc” series, a follow-up is likely but not guaranteed.
Should a business write TBC on a post?
Sparingly. It is honest about what is not decided, but too many TBCs look unprepared. A real date for when you will confirm (“details by Friday”) is more useful to customers.
Related slang
- RNRN means “right now”: at this moment, or straight away. In a bio it can also mean registered nurse.
- ATMATM means “at the moment”: a short way to say how things are for now, as in “busy atm” or “no plans atm.”
- NPNP means “no problem”: a fast, friendly reply to thanks, an apology or a favour.
- NBDNBD means “no big deal”: it says something is fine, easy or not worth worrying about.
- OMWOMW means “on my way”: you are travelling to meet someone, or about to set off.
- ICYMIICYMI means “in case you missed it”: a label for something shared earlier that you are bringing back.
More slang meanings
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