The full form of TBF is To Be Fair.
This abbreviation is commonly used in written and spoken communication as an introductory phrase to acknowledge another perspective, provide context, or present a balanced viewpoint before stating one's own opinion. Essentially, it signals that you are considering other factors before making a judgement.
For example:
- "He didn't get the promotion, but, TBF, he's only been with the company for six months."
- "TBF, the weather was terrible, so I understand why the event was cancelled."
In these examples, "TBF" prefaces a statement that adds nuance to the initial observation. It adds context and acknowledges potentially mitigating factors.