TGIF can mean different things, but the TGIF meaning most people know is “Thank God it’s Friday!” It’s an expression of joy that the workweek is almost over and the weekend is near. Read on to learn more about the origins of this term and its correct usage. You’ll also learn some different meanings for it.
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What Does TGIF Mean?
As mentioned earlier, TGIF means “Thank God it’s Friday!” It’s a way of showing relief and excitement at the end of the work week and start of the weekend.
Both the saying and the abbreviation have been in use for decades. The first known time it appeared was in 1940 in an Iowa newspaper. In 1965, a New York bar owner changed the name of his place to TGI Fridays. This popularized the term, though the owner used “Thank goodness it’s Friday.” It was also the start of the popular casual dining restaurant chain.
Example sentences:
- The weekend’s almost here! TGIF!
- TGIF, this week has seemed like an endless Monday!
- TGIF! Just 8 hours until freedom!
- TGIF! I can’t wait to watch the movie on Saturday!
- This has been the worst week ever. TGIF!
- TGIF, we have the perfect excuse to celebrate with our co-workers.
- I really need time for relaxation. TGIF!
- TGIF! I hope you have a great weekend!
- I’ve been looking forward to this weekend for months. TGIF!
When and How to Use TGIF?
Since it’s an abbreviation, TGIF is common in text messages, social media chats on Instagram or Facebook, and in emails and handwritten notes. However, it’s not unusual to hear it aloud. A lot of people say the entire phrase, but a lot of people also just say “TGIF.”
Because it’s an abbreviation, you should capitalize TGIF. However, skipping caps in texting and on social media has been on the rise. So, you shouldn’t be surprised to see “tgif.”
The phrase implies that it’s supposed to be reserved for Fridays. Despite that, you might hear it used on a different day, perhaps ironically. For example, someone at work might sarcastically say “TGIF” on a Monday morning.
How to Respond to TGIF?
It isn’t really necessary to respond to “TGIF!” If you want to, though, you might reply with an affirmation indicating shared excitement or relief. You could also use it as an opening to discuss weekend plans.
Other TGIF Meanings
The meaning of TGIF is not only “Thank God, it’s Friday.” There are other possible meanings, such as:
- That girl is freaky: “Freaky” as slang describes something or someone as unusual or bizarre.
- TGI Friday’s: This is the popular restaurant chain. Note that it now has an apostrophe, whereas the original name didn’t.
- Thank goodness it’s Friday: Some religious people consider it offensive to use God’s name so casually and prefer this. Interestingly, nonreligious people might also like this version better.
- Today God is first: This is the title of a book by an author named Os Hillman. Its purpose is to help religiously devout people center their lives around God.
- Thank God I found you: This is the title of a song by pop superstar Mariah Carey. Someone might also use TGIF this way to express appreciation for having a certain someone else in their life.
- Toes go in first: The expression “going in feet first” means to do something without hesitation, and this might be a variation. Conversely, it could mean taking a cautious approach, like testing water temperature by dipping a toe in.
Final Thoughts
Although the TGIF meaning most people use is “Thank God it’s Friday,” we’ve seen it has other meanings. The most common might be “Thank goodness it’s Friday” so as to avoid a religious connotation. Both phrases express happiness that the week is winding down and the weekend awaits.
