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istg

English → EnglishcasualslangInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "istg": "Istg" is an acronym for "I swear to God." It is used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement,

What does "istg" mean?

"Istg" is an acronym for "I swear to God." It is used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement, to express frustration, or to show extreme disbelief. The mental image is someone holding their hand up or looking very serious to prove they aren't lying. It is strictly informal and used almost exclusively in texting or social media. While it can be used to add weight to a promise, it is frequently used in hyperbolic ways, such as "I'm so hungry, istg I could eat a horse." It should be avoided in professional or academic writing.

"istg" in conversation

Confirming a secret

Did you actually tell him?

Did you actually tell him?

No, istg I didn't say a word.

No, I swear to God I didn't say a word.

Used to emphasize honesty in a casual conversation.

Expressing frustration

My laptop just crashed again.

My laptop just crashed again.

Istg, this thing is ancient.

I swear to God, this thing is ancient.

Used here to express annoyance at a recurring problem.

"istg" in a sentence

  1. Istg, I will be there in five minutes.

    I swear to God, I will be there in five minutes.

  2. I didn't break your phone, istg!

    I didn't break your phone, I swear to God!

  3. Istg, if this meeting goes over an hour, I am going to lose my mind.

    I swear to God, if this meeting goes over an hour, I am going to lose my mind.

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