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Is there something similar to TLDR that can be used in professional emails and messages?

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It might help if you were to explain what "TLDR" means! Not everyone knows or is a mind reader. I've never seen it before! –  TrevorD Jun 19 '13 at 18:33
Too Long; Didn't Read. It has changed its meaning of late: rather than being a response to a long missive, it is now used to introduce a summary passage. –  Andrew Leach Jun 19 '13 at 18:36
Wiktionary defines TLDR and various similar forms as “(Internet) too long; didn't read. Used to indicate that one didn't read the whole text or to indicate that what follows is a summary of the overly long text”. –  jwpat7 Jun 19 '13 at 18:36
This is just my being curious, but what's wrong with "in summary?" –  user867 Jun 21 '13 at 7:51

2 Answers 2

up vote 11 down vote accepted

I think phrases or labels like In short or In brief may serve better, but if you insist on Latin, in nuce means “in a nutshell; briefly stated”.

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If he insists on Latin, I'm not sure this is the correct site. –  KitFox Jun 19 '13 at 18:59
@KitFox: the Latin phrase, if used commonly in English, is, de facto, English usage even if from Latin directly. So the question must be answered as though it was asked about Latin in English. –  Mitch Jun 20 '13 at 0:23
Paucis verbis (merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paucis%20verbis) seems to fit the headline question better. –  TimLymington Nov 10 '13 at 22:43


Depending on context and content, abstract or executive summary could be appropriate headings, especially if placed at the beginning of the document. Summary and conclusion are often used at the end of a document.

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