... to not understand the use of the phrase 'TMI?'

[tracypenisbeaker]

Especially in the likes of the Pregnancy, Conception boards et cetera, where conversations about stringy cervical mucus and a mad case of the 'roids are to be expected? I understand that it might just be a pleasantry, but come on folks, there's nothing to be embarrassed about

I think it is used to be polite if I see TMI in a thread titlie (sp) and im eating my lunch etc I bypass it much the same as the kalxon warning

Another vote for it being a term of politeness. If someone just burst out with descriptions of bodily fluids I would not really care, but it's good to have a warning!

I see what you mean re the eating of lunch, but whenever I've seen a 'TMI' it's usually been in brackets after they've said what they've said

I think it's just manners. If you've been on Mumsnet for even a short period of time, then you'll know that there really isn't such a thing as 'too much information'.

Or maybe there is (just saw your user name) .

I'm really squeamish and avoid TMI like a revolting dose of the plague.