🤯 30+ TIL About "TIL": The Acronym Everyone’s Using (But Few Understand)

In the fast-paced world of online learning, casual conversations, and knowledge-sharing platforms like Reddit or X (formerly Twitter), you’ve probably seen the acronym TIL pop up.

But what does it mean, and how can you express the same idea in different, nuanced ways?

Let’s break it down—and then explore 30 vibrant alternatives to TIL (Today I Learned) that help you share discoveries, insights, and mini “aha!” moments more expressively.

What Does “TIL” Mean?

TIL stands for “Today I Learned”. It’s a phrase used to share a new fact, surprising realization, or interesting tidbit you just discovered.

Example:
TIL that octopuses have three hearts and their blood is blue.

It’s short, punchy, and widely used on forums, social media, and even in casual emails. But when you’re looking to vary your tone—make something sound more formal, playful, reflective, or educational—there are many fresh ways to say the same thing.

Let’s explore 30 alternatives that cover different tones and contexts—from witty to professional.

30 Alternatives to TIL (With Examples and Usage Tips)

Casual & Conversational Alternatives

Guess what I just found out
Guess what I just found out—bananas are berries, but strawberries aren’t!
Use when: Chatting or sharing fun facts with friends.
You won’t believe this
You won’t believe this: wombat poop is cube-shaped.
Use when: Adding playful curiosity.
Just learned that
Just learned that honey never spoils. Ever.
Use when: Informal sharing with subtle surprise.
So apparently…
So apparently koalas sleep up to 22 hours a day.
Use when: Adding casual skepticism or surprise.
I had no idea that
I had no idea that sharks are older than trees.
Use when: Showing genuine surprise.

Professional & Educational Alternatives

I recently discovered
I recently discovered a more efficient way to structure our reports.
Use when: In professional or workplace settings.
Today I found out
Today I found out that the Eiffel Tower grows taller in the summer.
Use when: Neutral, clean phrasing—good for blogs or newsletters.
It turns out that
It turns out that cats can’t taste sweetness.
Use when: Smooth transition into a surprising fact.
I came across this interesting fact
I came across this interesting fact: jellyfish have survived all five mass extinctions.
Use when: In educational content or formal writing.
One thing I learned today
One thing I learned today is that octopuses can taste with their arms.
Use when: Reflective or journaling tone.

Playful & Humorous Alternatives

Mind blown
Mind blown: sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins.
Use when: Sharing something astonishing or weird.
Fun fact
Fun fact: a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance.
Use when: Entertaining or grabbing attention.
Who knew?
Who knew sea cucumbers can fight predators by ejecting their guts?
Use when: Light and curious tone.
Turns out…
Turns out goats have accents.
Use when: Blending surprise with humor.
Just stumbled on this
Just stumbled on this: the inventor of the Pringles can is buried in one.
Use when: Casual and spontaneous vibe.

Reflective & Personal Alternatives

I never realized that
I never realized that bees can recognize human faces.
Use when: Adding personal growth or reflection.
I’ve always wondered, and now I know
I’ve always wondered why onions make us cry—and now I know!
Use when: Sharing the resolution of curiosity.
I finally learned
I finally learned what the little pocket on jeans is for.
Use when: Adding a sense of completion.
This explains a lot
This explains a lot about why cats knock things off shelves.
Use when: Lightly humorous or explanatory.
Can’t believe I didn’t know this
Can’t believe I didn’t know this: lobsters taste with their legs.
Use when: Emphasizing your surprise.

Educational or Technical Contexts

According to [source]…
According to NASA, space smells like seared steak.
Use when: Adding credibility or research-based tone.
Research shows that
Research shows that swearing can increase pain tolerance.
Use when: Formal or data-driven sharing.
Data suggests that
Data suggests that people are most creative at 10 a.m.
Use when: Citing studies or professional insight.
In a study I read…
In a study I read, rats can laugh when tickled.
Use when: Softly academic or journalistic.
It was interesting to learn that
It was interesting to learn that baby puffins are called pufflings.
Use when: Neutral and informative.

Witty or Social Media-Friendly Options

Adding this to my brain file
Adding this to my brain file: goats have rectangular pupils.
Use when: Quirky or tweet-worthy tone.
Brain = upgraded
Brain = upgraded. Spiders can’t chew, so they liquefy their food.
Use when: Playful and trendy.
Filing this under: things I didn’t know I needed to know
Filing this under: armadillos can hold their breath for six minutes.
Use when: Humorous or listicle-style posts.
Nerd moment
Nerd moment: pineapples take up to 2 years to grow.
Use when: Geeky, fun self-awareness.
Random but fascinating
Random but fascinating: peanuts aren’t nuts—they’re legumes.
Use when: Sharing curiosities casually.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

✨ Tone

Casual & Fun: So apparently, Who knew, Brain = upgraded
Professional: I recently discovered, Research shows, It turns out
Reflective: I never realized, One thing I learned today, I finally learned

🎯 Audience

Social media: Mind blown, Adding this to my brain file, Fun fact
Workplace: Today I found out, In a study I read, I recently discovered
Educational blogs/podcasts: It turns out, According to…, I came across this fact

🌍 Cultural Awareness

In more formal cultures or writing, stick with phrases like “I recently learned” or “It turns out.” In conversational or humorous content (especially online), go bold with “Brain = upgraded” or “Filing this under…”

Conclusion

The phrase TIL is a favorite for a reason—it’s short, expressive, and shareable.

But when you tailor your language to match your tone and audience, you open up a whole world of connection and clarity.

Whether you’re writing a tweet, crafting a newsletter, or sharing a cool discovery with friends, choosing the right version of “Today I Learned” adds flavor, personality, and professionalism.