becomethough

Becomethough is a contemporary neologism used in internet discourse to signal aspirational transformation while acknowledging present limitations. The term blends become and though into a single token and is typically used as a discourse marker or interjected element in informal writing and speech. It first appeared in online communities in the early 2020s and gained traction in self-help, productivity, and discussion forums where users describe ongoing personal development.

Its function is to hedge commitment to a goal by admitting partial progress and the ongoing nature of change. Grammatically, becomethough often follows a clause that states a goal or intention, functioning like a parenthetical aside: “I will improve my skills, becomethough.” It can also appear in longer sentences as a closing tag: “We are learning step by step, becomethough.”

Becomethough thus conveys a mix of optimism and realism; it implies an ongoing process rather than a final state. The device is common in casual online dialogue and can be used humorously or earnestly. Critics say it can be ambiguous or performative, especially when overused, while proponents argue it helps normalize gradual growth and acknowledge that change takes time.

Variants and cross-linguistic use are limited but some communities experiment with playful forms such as becomethoughing or becomethough as a standalone interjection. Related concepts include growth mindset, aspirational self-talk, and hedging devices in rhetoric.