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abbreviation

DTM

dee-tee-EM

DTM (abbreviation) means doing too much: used to say that someone is overreacting, showing off or putting far more effort into something than it deserves. Example: “Three paragraphs about a late reply? DTM.”

abbreviation
1
slang Doing too much: used to say that someone is overreacting, showing off or putting far more effort into something than it deserves.
"Three paragraphs about a late reply? DTM."
"She said I was DTM for bringing a cake to a work call."
2
Digital terrain model: a computer representation of the bare ground surface of an area, with buildings and vegetation removed, used in mapping and engineering.
"The flood study was run against a DTM built from laser survey data."

How to Use DTM

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn texting it means someone is overdoing it.

When to use it

The slang sense belongs to casual messaging and social media and is usually a light criticism rather than a serious one. The mapping sense is technical and always written in capitals.

Memory tip

As slang it works like the adjective extra, describing behaviour rather than an amount of work.

Common pairings
you're DTM that's DTM build a DTM
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Can you complete this real example?

Three paragraphs about a late reply? _____.

Related Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What does DTM mean in a text message?

It usually stands for doing too much, a way of telling someone they are overreacting or trying too hard. It is teasing rather than harsh in most exchanges.

What is the difference between a DTM and a DSM?

A digital terrain model shows the bare ground with buildings and trees stripped out. A digital surface model keeps everything the survey saw, so rooftops and tree canopies appear as part of the surface.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial