ISTG which means "I Swear To God" is one of our list of 200 popular text abbreviations and I guess you’ve probably run into ISTG at some point.
Now, I’ll admit, the first time I saw it, I thought it was some fancy way of saying “Instagram”, and I was way off.
ISTG has nothing to do with Instagram. It actually stands for "I Swear To God."
And while it might sound intense, it’s actually one of the most versatile little text abbreviations or internet acronyms out there.
ISTG has the power to add drama, humor, and sincerity to whatever you’re saying.
Whether you’re expressing shock, showing frustration, or just trying to add a touch of humor, ISTG is a go-to that can pack a punch in four little letters.
Hence, let me share with you the seven different ways to use ISTG.
7 Different Meanings of ISTG (I Swear To God), And It’s Usage
1. The Major ISTG Meaning: I Swear To God
The most straightforward meaning of ISTG is exactly what it says: I Swear To God.
It’s like saying, "I’m serious about this," or “I mean what I’m saying.” When you drop ISTG into a message, people know you’re being 100% real.
For instance, imagine you’re talking to a friend who’s notorious for flaking on plans. You say, “ISTG, if you cancel on me one more time, I’m never making plans again.”
You’re letting him/her to know this is serious, no more games, no more excuses. It’s a simple way to say you mean business.
2. ISTG Can Mean Expressing Shock or Disbelief
You'll agree with me that sometimes, things happen that are just too wild to believe, and I must say, ISTG is the perfect way to convey that mix of shock and “are you serious right now?”
It’s like saying “Oh my God” but with a little more intensity.
Picture this: a friend tells you they’re moving across the country on a whim. You respond, “ISTG, you’re really doing that?”
It’s a way to show just how surprised (or mildly horrified) you are. This usage lets you add that extra punch to your reaction.
Hey! Take at look at these other popular text abbreviations and slangs ~ About 200 of them
3. ISTG Meaning: Showing Frustration or Annoyance
Sincerely, life can get frustrating, and ISTG can help you to express that without having to type out a full rant.
ISTG's like an emotional sigh in four characters, and it lets the other person know you’re genuinely fed up.
Imagine you’re trying to stream a movie, but your Wi-Fi keeps dropping. You text your friend, “ISTG, if my Wi-Fi cuts out one more time, I’m switching providers.”
It’s a shortcut to show just how over it you are without needing to vent for hours. ISTG says it all.
4. ISTG - Adding Drama for Humor
You see, the truth is, sometimes we all like to exaggerate a little, especially when we’re just trying to be funny.
ISTG is the perfect tool for those moments when you want to be a little dramatic but in a playful way.
Let's say for instance, you’re starving, and your pizza delivery is taking forever. You could text, “ISTG, if this pizza doesn’t get here soon, I might actually faint.”
Are you really about to pass out from hunger? Probably not. Meanwhile, if I am the delivery guy, I'll wait a little longer. 😂
Here, ISTG lets you be over-the-top in a way that makes it funny, adding that extra flair to your complaint.
Hey Dude, trust me your GF will definitely love these slangs: 15 charming slang words for attractive females.
5. ISTG Meaning: Emphasizing Honesty in a Promise
Sometimes, we all need a little something extra to convince people we’re being honest, especially if we’ve maybe, just maybe, let them down in the past.
ISTG can help you reassure someone that you’re serious and really mean what you’re saying.
You knew you’re notorious for being late right, and you’re meeting a friend who’s had enough. You text, “ISTG, I’ll be on time today!”
It’s like a mini pinky swear in text form. You’re showing them this time is different, you swear.
6. Creating Suspense or Anticipation
One of my favorite uses for ISTG is when it’s used to build suspense. I found this to be especially popular on Snapchat or Instagram Stories, where people are documenting their experiences in real-time.
ISTG adds a touch of “what’s going to happen next?” and pulls the audience into your story.
Imagine you’re on a mission to find the perfect ice cream place, but every location is closed. You’re snapping each place with, “ISTG, if this next one is closed too, I’m done.”
It’s a way of bringing people into your journey, letting them feel the suspense and frustration along with you.
And when you finally get that ice cream 😌, it feels like a triumphant ending for everyone watching.
7. Meaning of ISTG - An Innocent Misunderstanding as ‘Instagram’
Finally, we’ve all been there, thinking ISTG meant Instagram.
And while this isn’t technically correct, it’s such a common mix-up that it deserves its own spot on this list.
When I first saw ISTG, I was convinced people were talking about Instagram. I even texted a friend, saying, “Why is everyone using ISTG for Instagram now?”
But, in case you’re still unsure, ISTG does NOT mean Instagram. Instagram is usually shortened to just “IG,” so if you’re seeing ISTG in a message, it’s time to shift your thinking to “I Swear To God” instead. Lesson learned! Yeah!
See also: Our list of 200 popular Internet Slangs of 2024 with meanings and examples.
Concluding Thought
So, there you have it, the seven different meanings and uses of ISTG.
Whether you’re using it to be dramatic, add humor, express frustration, or just show that you’re serious, ISTG has got your back.
It’s one of those text abbreviations and slangs that’s easy to slip into any conversation, and it does a great job of conveying emotion without overdoing it.
Now that you know all the ways to use ISTG, go ahead and start adding it to your own messages! Trust me, it’s a little thing, but it can pack a big punch.
And hey, next time you see it in a text, you’ll know exactly what it means right - no Instagram confusion needed.
Reference
meaning of ISTG - Urban dictionary
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