TL;DR is an initialism meaning "too long; didn't read," used to provide or request quick summaries of longer content.

Originally used in online forums as criticism for overly lengthy posts, TL;DR has evolved into a helpful tool for communication. Today, it primarily serves two purposes: introducing a brief summary of longer content or requesting such a summary.

The phrase can be written as TL;DR or TLDR (without semicolon) and is pronounced by stating each letter individually, unlike acronyms like "NASA."

Usage Guidelines:

For writers:

• Place TL;DR at the beginning or end of long content
• Follow with a concise summary of key points
• Format as "TL;DR:" followed by the summary

For readers:

• Use respectfully when requesting summaries
• Consider the context and audience
• Avoid in formal settings unless appropriate

Professional Usage:

• Best suited for casual workplace communications (Slack, informal emails)
• Appropriate in companies with relaxed communication culture
• Consider alternatives like "summary" or "overview" in formal settings

Examples:

In emails: "TL;DR: Our sales projections for Q4 are looking good."

In messages: "Can you provide a TL;DR of this doc?"

In presentations: "TL;DR:

• Key point 1
• Key point 2
• Key point 3"

When sharing content: "Here's an interesting article [LINK]. TL;DR: The main finding suggests [brief conclusion]."

Important: The tone and appropriateness of TL;DR depend heavily on context and workplace culture. When in doubt, mirror the communication style of senior leadership or opt for more formal alternatives.

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