Totes is slang for “totally,” “completely,” or “absolutely.” It is an informal shortening used to show strong agreement, add emphasis, or give a quick positive response.
For example, “I totes agree” means “I totally agree.” It is casual, playful, and generally not offensive.
You may have seen totes in a text message, social media comment, meme, or casual conversation and wondered what it means.
In slang, totes is a shortened form of “totally.” Depending on the sentence, it can mean “completely,” “absolutely,” or “definitely.”
For example, someone might write, “That movie was totes amazing.” They mean the movie was “totally amazing.” If a friend asks, “Are you coming?” and you answer “Totes!”, you are saying “Absolutely!” or “Definitely!”
The word is informal, so it fits better in friendly chats than in school essays or formal work emails. It can also sound playful or humorous, and some speakers may use it in an intentionally exaggerated or slightly old-school way.
There is one more detail worth knowing: totes can also be the plural of tote, as in tote bags. The context usually tells you which meaning is intended.
Quick Answer: Totes Slang
| Question | Answer |
| Meaning | Totally, completely, absolutely |
| Tone | Informal, casual, playful |
| Used by | Casual speakers and online users |
| Platforms | Texts, social media, chats, comments |
| Offensive? | No, generally harmless |
| Pronunciation | “tohts” |
| Formal? | No |
| Main source word | Totally |
The key point is that totes usually changes the style rather than the basic meaning. Saying “I totes agree” gives the same basic message as “I totally agree,” but the first version feels more playful and informal.
What Does Totes Mean in Slang?
Totes means “totally,” “completely,” or “absolutely.” It is an informal shortening of the word totally. Cambridge lists it as an informal short form of “totally,” while Collins also identifies it as a shortening of the word.
Here are some common examples:
- “I’m totes ready.” → I’m totally ready.
- “That was totes funny.” → That was totally funny.
- “I totes agree.” → I totally agree.
- “She’s totes right.” → She’s completely right.
- “Totes!” → Absolutely! / Definitely!
So, totes is not limited to one type of sentence. It can add emphasis or work as a short reply.
When “Totes” Means “Absolutely”
When someone says “Totes!” by itself, it often means “Absolutely!”, “Definitely!”, or “Yes, for sure!”
For example:
“Want to grab lunch later?”
“Totes!”
The word is understood from the context. The speaker is strongly agreeing with the suggestion.
When “Totes” Adds Emphasis
Totes can also appear before another word or phrase.
“That was totes unexpected.”
The speaker is emphasizing how unexpected something was.
This is why replacing every use of “totes” with simply “yes” can miss part of its meaning.
How Do You Pronounce Totes?
Totes is pronounced like “tohts.”
It has one syllable and rhymes closely with:
- boats
- coats
- notes
- quotes
Cambridge gives the pronunciation as /toʊts/ in US English and /təʊts/ in UK English.
The pronunciation is simple, so most people can understand the word when they hear it in casual speech.
Where Did Totes Slang Come From?
The slang totes comes from shortening “totally.” Collins identifies the slang use as a shortening of “totally,” and Cambridge lists it as an informal short form.
There is no reliable basis for saying that one specific person invented the slang. The exact first everyday use is also difficult to pin down.
The word became especially visible in popular culture during the late 2000s and early 2010s. A related phrase, “Totes McGotes,” gained attention through the 2009 comedy film I Love You, Man. Dictionary.com discusses “Totes McGotes” and related playful forms such as “Totes McGoats.”
That movie connection should not be confused with the origin of totes itself. The basic shortening of “totally” is older and exists independently of the film.
Is Totes Still Used Today?
Totes is still understood and listed as informal slang, but it is not best described as a brand-new trending slang term.
Dictionary sources continue to recognize the slang meaning. At the same time, the word can sound playful, humorous, or dated to some speakers because of its strong association with an earlier period of internet and youth slang.
That means its current tone can depend on the speaker and situation.
Someone may use “totes” sincerely, while another person may use it ironically to sound deliberately playful.
Why Does Totes Sound Playful?
Part of the appeal of totes comes from shortening a longer word.
English speakers often shorten words in casual speech and online communication. Totes turns the four-syllable word “totally” into a short, one-syllable expression.
Compare:
- “I totally agree.”
- “I totes agree.”
The message is almost the same. The second version simply has a more casual personality.
That playful feeling becomes even stronger in expressions such as “totes adorbs” or “Totes McGotes.”
Totes by Context: What Does It Really Mean?
The meaning is easy to understand once you look at the sentence around it.
| Context | Meaning of Totes | Example |
| Agreement | Totally agree | “Totes agree.” |
| Confirmation | Definitely | “Totes coming.” |
| Emphasis | Completely | “That was totes unexpected.” |
| Approval | Absolutely | “Totes worth it.” |
| Excitement | Totally / absolutely | “Totes excited!” |
This is an important distinction: totes does not have five separate dictionary meanings here. These are different ways the basic idea of “totally” can work in context.
Where Is Totes Used?
Totes can appear in many types of casual online communication, but it does not have a special platform-specific meaning.
| Platform | Typical Use | Example |
| TikTok | Comments and captions | “Totes obsessed with this.” |
| Reactions and captions | “Totes love this look.” | |
| Snapchat | Quick messages | “Totes coming!” |
| Discord | Casual chat | “Totes agree.” |
| Informal comments | “Totes worth watching.” | |
| YouTube | Comments | “Totes made my day.” |
| Friendly messages | “Totes! See you soon.” | |
| X | Casual replies | “Totes forgot about that.” |
These examples use the same basic meaning. The platform does not normally change what totes means.
Totes in Text Messages
Texting is a natural place for this kind of informal shortening.
Someone might send:
“Are you totes free tonight?”
That means:
“Are you totally free tonight?”
Or:
“Totes excited for Saturday!”
This means:
“Totally excited for Saturday!”
In a short message, the slang can make the conversation feel relaxed and friendly.
Totes in Social Media Captions and Comments
On social media, totes can make a comment sound enthusiastic or playful.
For example:
“Totes love this outfit!”
means:
“I totally love this outfit!”
Another person might comment:
“Totes agree with this.”
The word is simply a casual way to add emphasis or agreement.
It is not necessary to use totes on every social platform. People may understand it even when they do not normally use it themselves.
Common Totes Expressions
Totes Agree
“Totes agree” means “totally agree.”
Example:
“The ending was the best part.”
“Totes agree.”
It shows strong agreement in a casual way.
Totes Adorbs
“Totes adorbs” means “totally adorable.”
Example:
“Look at that little puppy!”
“Totes adorbs!”
The phrase combines two shortened, playful words: totes and adorbs.
Totes Amazing
“Totes amazing” means “totally amazing.”
Example:
“That concert was totes amazing.”
It adds an enthusiastic, informal feel.
Totes Worth It
“Totes worth it” means “totally worth it.”
Example:
“The line was long, but the food was totes worth it.”
Here, totes strengthens the speaker’s opinion.
What Does Totes McGotes Mean?
Totes McGotes is a playful extension of totes. It is used to express strong agreement or approval.
For example:
“Should we order dessert?”
“Totes McGotes!”
It means something like:
“Absolutely!”
Dictionary.com documents Totes McGotes and similar playful forms and connects the phrase with I Love You, Man (2009).
The expression is much more humorous than ordinary totes, so it should not be treated as the standard form.
Totes vs. Totally vs. Absolutely vs. Definitely
These words can overlap, but their tone is different.
| Word | Basic Meaning | Tone |
| Totes | Totally / completely | Playful, informal |
| Totally | Completely | Casual to neutral |
| Absolutely | Completely / certainly | Strong, natural |
| Definitely | Certainly | Clear and confident |
For example:
- “I totes agree.” → Very casual
- “I totally agree.” → Casual and natural
- “I absolutely agree.” → Strong and clear
- “I definitely agree.” → Strong and confident
The choice depends on how formal or playful you want to sound.
Totes vs. Tote: Why Context Matters
This is one of the most useful things to know about the word.
Totes can have a slang meaning, but it can also simply be the plural of tote.
Compare:
“I totes love that movie.”
Here, totes = totally.
But:
“She bought two totes.”
Here, totes refers to two tote bags.
The second meaning has nothing to do with slang.
If totes appears next to words such as love, agree, amazing, ready, excited, or funny, the slang meaning is often clear from context.
Is Totes Positive or Negative?
Totes itself is neither positive nor negative.
It mainly adds emphasis.
For example:
- “Totes awesome!” → Positive
- “Totes agree.” → Agreement
- “Totes impossible.” → Negative
- “I’m totes exhausted.” → Tiredness
- “That was totes ridiculous.” → Negative reaction
The words around totes determine the emotion.
Is Totes Rude or Offensive?
No. Totes is generally not rude or offensive.
It is simply an informal shortening of totally.
The bigger issue is if it fits the situation. It can sound too casual in a formal setting.
For example:
Casual:
“I’m totes excited!”
More professional:
“I’m very excited about the event.”
Neither sentence is offensive. The second one is simply more appropriate for formal communication.
Is Totes Formal or Informal?
Totes is informal.
Cambridge and Collins both identify the slang use as informal.
It can work in:
- Text messages
- Casual conversations
- Social media
- Friendly comments
- Memes
- Informal online chats
It is better to avoid it in:
- Academic essays
- Job applications
- Formal reports
- Official documents
- Professional letters
- Serious business communication
When you need a neutral option, choose totally, completely, absolutely, or definitely.
Can Adults Use Totes?
Yes. There is no age rule that prevents adults from using totes.
The main question is if the speaker wants a casual or playful tone.
An adult might use it naturally in a text:
“Totes! See you at eight.”
Another adult might use it jokingly because the word has an older slang feel.
So the word can be sincere or humorous. Context and personal style matter.
Can Totes Sound Sarcastic?
Totes can sound sarcastic, but the word itself is not inherently sarcastic.
For example:
“Oh yeah, totes love waiting two hours.”
Depending on the situation, the speaker may actually mean the opposite.
The sarcasm comes from the context and tone, not from the dictionary meaning of totes.
Without that context, “totes love it” could simply mean genuine enthusiasm.
When Should You Avoid Using Totes?
You do not need to avoid the word completely. Just match it to the situation.
Avoid or replace totes when writing:
- A formal school assignment
- A legal or official document
- A job application
- A formal business email
- A professional report
For example:
Too casual:
“I totes agree with the proposal.”
More professional:
“I completely agree with the proposal.”
The second version communicates the same basic idea without the playful slang tone.
Real-Life Examples of Totes Slang
Text Message
Aiden: “Want to get coffee after work?”
Sofia: “Totes! I need caffeine.”
Here, totes means “definitely” or “absolutely.”
TikTok Comment
“Totes obsessed with this recipe.”
The commenter means they are totally obsessed with the recipe.
Instagram Caption
“Totes ready for the weekend.”
This means the person is completely ready and excited for the weekend.
Discord Chat
Mason: “That strategy should work.”
Leah: “Totes agree.”
The word shows quick and strong agreement.
Casual Conversation
Ethan: “Was the new restaurant worth the drive?”
Chloe: “Totes. The dessert was incredible.”
Here, totes means “absolutely” or “definitely.”
Playful Use
“I totes did not eat the last cookie.”
If the speaker is standing beside an empty cookie plate, the sentence may be intentionally humorous or sarcastic.
Common Mistakes With Totes
Mistake 1: Thinking Totes Always Means “Yes”
When used alone, totes can mean “yes” or “absolutely.”
But in a sentence, it usually works as a shortened form of totally.
“I totes agree.”
= “I totally agree.”
Mistake 2: Using It in Every Formal Situation
Totes is informal. It can make professional writing sound overly casual.
Use totally, completely, absolutely, or definitely when you need a more neutral tone.
Mistake 3: Confusing Totes With Tote Bags
“I totes love this.”
= totally
“I bought two totes.”
= two tote bags
Always check the surrounding words.
Mistake 4: Assuming Totes Is New TikTok Slang
Totes did not originate on TikTok. It is an older shortening of totally that remains recognizable today.
Mistake 5: Assuming Totes Is Always Serious
People can use totes sincerely, but they can also use it for humor or irony. Context matters.
People Also Ask About Totes
Is totes a Gen Z word?
Totes is not best described as a word created by Gen Z. It became widely recognizable before the current Gen Z slang era and is associated with an earlier period of casual and internet slang. People of different ages may understand it, although some may use it jokingly.
Does totes mean totally?
Yes. In slang, totes is a shortened form of totally. It can also communicate ideas such as “absolutely” or “definitely” when used as a standalone reply.
Is totes a real word?
Yes. Dictionaries recognize totes as an informal shortening of “totally.” It can also appear as the plural of tote, so not every use of “totes” is slang.
Is totes outdated slang?
Some speakers may consider totes old-fashioned or playful, but it remains recognized in dictionaries. Its current feel depends on the speaker and context. It is safer to describe it as informal and sometimes playful or dated-sounding, rather than calling it completely obsolete.
Key Takeaways
- Totes usually means “totally,” “completely,” or “absolutely.”
- It is an informal and playful shortening.
- “Totes!” can mean “Absolutely!” or “Definitely!”
- It is generally not rude or offensive.
- It can sound humorous or dated depending on context.
- Totes can also mean multiple tote bags, so context matters.
- Use totally or absolutely instead when writing formally.
FAQs About Totes Slang
Q1. What does “totes” mean when someone texts just “totes”?
When someone replies with only “totes,” it usually means “absolutely,” “definitely,” or “yes, totally.” For example, if someone asks, “Want to watch a movie tonight?” and the reply is “Totes!”, the person is showing strong agreement in a casual, playful way.
Q2. What does “totes adorbs” mean?
“Totes adorbs” means “totally adorable.” It is a playful expression often used when reacting to something cute, such as a pet, outfit, photo, or sweet moment. Both “totes” and “adorbs” are shortened forms, which makes the whole phrase sound extra casual and playful.
Q3. What does “totes agree” mean?
“Totes agree” means “I totally agree.” It is a quick way to show strong agreement with someone’s opinion or suggestion. The expression is informal, so it works better in a text, casual chat, comment, or friendly conversation than in formal writing.
Q4. Is “totes” a compliment?
Not by itself. Totes simply adds the idea of “totally” or “completely.” If the complete sentence is positive depends on the words around it. “Totes amazing” is positive, while “totes awful” is negative. The slang itself does not determine the emotion.
Q5. Why do people say “totes” instead of “totally”?
People may use totes because it is shorter and gives a more casual or playful feel. It can make a text or conversation sound less formal. Some people also use it humorously because the expression is associated with an older style of internet and youth slang.
Q6. Can “totes” be used in a formal email?
It is better to avoid totes in a formal email. Although the meaning is clear, the word is informal and can sound playful. A professional message would normally use totally, completely, absolutely, or definitely instead.
Q7. Does “totes” have anything to do with tote bags?
Sometimes, but not when it is used as slang. Totes can also be the plural of tote, including tote bags. “I totes love this” uses slang, while “I bought three totes” may refer to three bags. The sentence gives you the clue.
Q8. Is “totes” still popular?
Totes is still recognized and understood, but it is not best described as a new or highly current slang trend. Some speakers use it normally, while others use it for humor or because it has an older casual-slang feel. Its meaning remains clear even when its tone varies.
Conclusion
Totes slang means “totally,” “completely,” or “absolutely.” It is mainly used in casual conversations, texts, social media comments, and other relaxed settings.
The word can do more than simply mean “yes.” In “totes agree,” it strengthens agreement. In “totes amazing,” it adds emphasis. When someone replies “Totes!”, it can work as a quick “Absolutely!” or “Definitely!”
Its tone is just as important as its meaning. Totes can sound friendly and playful, but some speakers may hear it as humorous or somewhat dated. That does not make it wrong; it simply means the word has a particular style.
Also remember that totes has a completely different ordinary use as the plural of tote. Context is the easiest way to tell the difference.
For formal writing, totally, completely, absolutely, or definitely are safer choices. For a casual chat, totes can add a relaxed and playful touch.
Read More Slang Articles:
- What Does Slime Mean in Slang? Real Definition & Examples
- Borg Meaning Slang: Origin, Recipe, and Why It’s Controversial
- Chuzz Meaning Slang: TikTok’s Controversial Slang Explained
Hi, I’m Tyler Brooks, a writer specializing in Gen Z culture and internet slang. I track trending terms across TikTok and social media to explain their real-world meanings. My goal is to provide clear, accurate, and up-to-date definitions that help readers understand modern online language.
