Q1: Does using ISTG imply the sender is religious?
A1: No. In modern texting, the acronym functions strictly as an informal idiom. People of all religious backgrounds, as well as atheists, use it routinely without any theological intention.
Q2: Is ISTG considered rude or aggressive?
A2: It can appear aggressive if sent in all caps during an argument or sent to someone unfamiliar with mobile slang. In friendly group chats, it generally conveys lighthearted drama or exasperation.
Q3: Can I use ISTG on internal work chat apps like Slack or Teams?
A3: Exercise caution. While acceptable between close peers venting off-record, avoid using it in public team channels or when communicating with management.
Q4: What is the difference between ISTG and IKR?
A4: ISTG ("I swear to God") emphasizes the truth or intensity of a statement. IKR ("I know, right?") is used exclusively to agree with an observation made by someone else.
