RT
RT means 'retweet,' the older X term for sharing another account's post, now commonly described as a repost.
Definition
RT stands for 'retweet,' the sharing action associated with Twitter, now X. People still use the abbreviation to mean passing an existing post along to their followers. 'Please RT' asks readers to share the post, while 'RT if this helped' attaches that request to a reaction. The newer term repost describes the same general sharing intent.
RT can also appear at the beginning of copied text, followed by an account handle. That is a legacy way of indicating that the words came from someone else; typing those letters does not itself perform a platform's repost action. A quote post adds the sharer's own commentary around an existing post, making it different from simply passing the original along.
The abbreviation is most natural on X. It may appear in Threads conversations because people bring vocabulary across platforms, but 'repost' or 'share' can be clearer outside that context. Whether you use RT casually or request one from readers, preserve attribution and check that the original post still provides the context needed to understand the claim.
Example
Please RT the opening post if this checklist would help another first-time workshop host. The full thread includes the setup order and a packing list.
How to apply it
Ask for an RT only when sharing serves an obvious reader need, such as passing along a useful checklist or an updated event notice. Explain who the post helps instead of asking for distribution as an end in itself. Before resharing someone else's material, open the original and check whether later replies contain a correction.
For threads, direct the sharing request toward the opener so a new reader can follow the full explanation. If you quote a later entry because it contains a strong example, describe its place in the sequence. Keep the author's attribution visible and add your own context when the excerpt would otherwise be easy to misunderstand.
Common mistakes
- Copying a post with RT at the front while removing the original author's attribution.
- Sharing an isolated thread entry that leaves out an essential qualification.
Related terms
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What is RT?
RT means 'retweet,' the older X term for sharing another account's post, now commonly described as a repost.
How do you use RT in a thread?
Ask for an RT only when sharing serves an obvious reader need, such as passing along a useful checklist or an updated event notice. Explain who the post helps instead of asking for distribution as an end in itself. Before resharing someone else's material, open the original and check whether later replies contain a correction.
Example of RT
Please RT the opening post if this checklist would help another first-time workshop host. The full thread includes the setup order and a packing list.