Have you ever shared your opinion with a friend, only to find out they think very differently? You might say, “I love this movie,” while your friend says, “I don’t like it at all.” You may then hear someone say, “an alternative.”
At first, this phrase can sound a little strange. You may wonder, “What does that really mean?”
The to each their own meaning is simple. It means that everyone has their own likes, dislikes, choices, and opinions. What works for one person may not work for another.
You may see this phrase in WhatsApp chats, Instagram comments, Snapchat messages, and everyday conversations. It is also common in social media discussions.
In this guide, you will learn what “to each their own” means, how to use it, and how to reply to it.
What Does “To Each Their Own” Mean in Text?
“To each their own” means that everyone is free to have their own preferences or opinions.
It is often used when two people disagree about something but accept that they do not have to agree.
In simple words, it means:
“You like what you like, and I like what I like.”
For example:
Sam: “I love pineapple on pizza.”
Alex: “I can’t stand it.”
Sam: “Well, to each their own!”
Here, Sam is saying that it is okay for Alex to have a different taste.
The phrase is usually neutral and accepting. It does not mean that you agree with someone. Instead, it shows that you accept their right to make their own choice.
It can be used for many things, such as:
- Food choices
- Clothing styles
- Music
- Movies
- Hobbies
- Relationships
- Personal opinions
- Lifestyle choices
Simple Example
“I would never wear those shoes, but to each their own.”
The speaker does not like the shoes. However, they accept that someone else may like them.
Full Form of “To Each Their Own”
“To each their own” does not have a full form.
It is a complete English phrase, not an abbreviation or acronym.
The phrase is a shortened form of the longer expression:
“an alternative.”
The older version uses “his,” while “to each their own” is now common because it sounds more natural and gender-neutral.
The basic idea stays the same:
Each person can have their own preferences and choices.
How Is “To Each Their Own” Used in Chat?
People often use “to each their own” when they disagree with someone but do not want to argue.
Example 1: Food
Mia: “I actually like black coffee.”
Jake: “I need sugar in mine.”
Mia: “Haha, to each their own!”
Here, both people simply have different tastes.
Example 2: Music
Tom: “I don’t understand why you listen to that band.”
Liam: “I love their songs.”
Tom: “Fair enough. To each their own.”
Tom does not share Liam’s opinion, but he accepts it.
Example 3: Fashion
Sara: “Those bright shoes are not for me.”
Emma: “I think they’re cool.”
Sara: “To each their own!”
Again, the phrase shows that people can like different things.
What Does “To Each Their Own” Mean From a Girl?
If a girl says “to each their own,” it usually means she accepts that you have a different opinion or choice.
Her tone can change the message.
Friendly
She may simply be saying:
“We don’t have to agree.”
Casual
She may mean:
“That’s your choice.”
Serious
She may be ending a disagreement without wanting to argue.
Slightly Dismissive
If she says it in a cold way, it may mean:
“I don’t agree with you, but I’m done discussing it.”
So, the phrase itself is not flirty. If a girl uses it in a romantic chat, do not automatically assume she is flirting.
Look at the rest of the conversation and her tone.
What Does “To Each Their Own” Mean From a Boy?
When a boy says “to each their own,” he usually means that people can have different opinions or preferences.
For example:
You: “I don’t like video games.”
Him: “I play every night. But to each their own.”
He is simply accepting your different interest.
It can sound:
- Friendly
- Calm
- Neutral
- Respectful
- Slightly dismissive, depending on tone
It does not automatically show romantic interest.
Is “To Each Their Own” Rude or Polite?
“To each their own” is usually polite and neutral.
It can be a good way to end a small disagreement without starting an argument.
For example:
“I don’t agree with your choice, but to each their own.”
This shows that you respect the other person’s right to choose.
However, tone matters.
If someone says:
“Whatever. To each their own.”
It may sound annoyed or dismissive.
The phrase can also sound rude if it is used to judge someone.
For example:
“If you want to waste your money like that, to each their own.”
This sounds more negative.
So, the phrase itself is not rude. The words around it and the speaker’s tone can change how it feels.
When Should You Use “To Each Their Own”?
You can use this phrase when you want to show that people can have different choices.
Use it when:
- You disagree about someone’s taste.
- Someone likes different music.
- You have different food preferences.
- Someone chooses a different style.
- You want to end a minor debate.
- You want to respect someone’s personal choice.
- You want to say that everyone has different opinions.
Example
“I would never choose that phone, but to each their own.”
This is a natural use because you are sharing your opinion without attacking the other person.
When Should You NOT Use “To Each Their Own”?
Although the phrase is common, it is not always the best choice.
Avoid using it when:
- Someone is discussing a serious personal problem.
- Someone is sharing grief or emotional pain.
- You are talking about an important workplace issue.
- Someone needs direct advice.
- The topic involves safety.
- Your words could sound like you are dismissing someone’s feelings.
For example, if a friend tells you they are going through a serious problem, saying “to each their own” may sound cold.
Instead, show support and listen.
In professional settings, it can also sound too casual.
Best Replies to “To Each Their Own”
If someone says “to each their own,” your reply depends on the conversation.
Here are five simple responses:
1. “Exactly!”
Good when you agree that everyone has different preferences.
2. “Fair enough.”
A calm way to accept their opinion.
3. “True, we don’t have to agree.”
Good for a friendly disagreement.
4. “Haha, agreed!”
Works well in casual chats.
5. “Absolutely. Everyone is different.”
A polite and positive response.
Example
Friend: “I hate spicy food, but you love it. To each their own.”
You: “Haha, exactly!”
“To Each Their Own” Meaning on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat
The meaning of “to each their own” stays mostly the same across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat.
It still means that people can have different choices or opinions.
On WhatsApp
It is often used in private conversations.
“You like that movie? To each their own 😂”
The emoji can make the message sound playful.
On Instagram
You may see it in comments when people disagree about a photo, outfit, food, music, or trend.
“Not my style, but to each their own.”
On Snapchat
Friends may use it in casual chats.
“You actually like that song? To each their own lol.”
The platform does not change the basic meaning. Context and tone are what matter most.
Similar Slang Words Like “To Each Their Own”
Here are five phrases with similar meanings.
1. “Fair enough”
This means you accept someone’s point even if you do not fully agree.
2. “Whatever works for you”
This means the other person can choose what works best for them.
3. “It’s your choice”
This gives someone freedom to make their own decision.
4. “You do you”
This is a casual phrase that means be yourself and make your own choices.
5. “Everyone’s different”
This means people naturally have different tastes and opinions.
Quick Comparison
| Phrase | Meaning | Tone |
| To each their own | Everyone has their own preferences | Neutral |
| Fair enough | I accept your point | Casual |
| You do you | Make your own choice | Very casual |
| It’s your choice | The decision is yours | Neutral |
| Everyone’s different | People have different tastes | Friendly |
FAQs About “To Each Their Own Meaning”
Is “to each their own” positive or negative?
It is usually neutral or positive. It shows that people can have different opinions. However, it may sound dismissive if said with an annoyed tone.
Is “to each their own” rude?
No. The phrase is generally polite. But the situation and tone can make it sound rude or cold.
Is “to each their own” common in daily chat?
Yes. It is a common English phrase used in casual conversations, social media, and text messages.
Is it safe to use with elders?
Yes. Most people will understand it. However, if you are speaking in a very formal setting, a phrase such as “Everyone has different preferences” may sound more respectful and clear.
Does “to each their own” mean “I agree”?
Not exactly. It usually means “I accept that you have your own opinion or choice.” You can use it even when you disagree.
Is “to each their own” a slang term?
It is better described as a common informal English phrase rather than slang. It is widely understood and has been used for many years.
Is “to each their own” grammatically correct?
Yes. “To each their own” is a widely used expression. It is also more gender-neutral than the older phrase “an alternative.”
Conclusion
The to each their own meaning is simple: everyone has their own tastes, choices, and opinions.
You can use this phrase when you disagree with someone but still respect their right to choose. It is common in daily conversations, WhatsApp chats, Instagram comments, Snapchat messages, and other online spaces.
It usually sounds neutral, friendly, and accepting. However, your tone matters. Saying it with sarcasm or annoyance can make it sound dismissive.
Remember this simple idea:
“You like what you like, and I like what I like.”
Now you know what “to each their own” means and how to use it correctly. Keep exploring related English phrases and slang to make your everyday chats easier and more natural.
Ella Peterson is an English language writer and grammar enthusiast at MeaningZones.com. She focuses on clear and practical English grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and everyday language usage.
Through easy-to-understand explanations and helpful examples, Ella helps readers improve their English writing and communication skills. Her goal is to make English grammar simple, useful, and accessible to everyone.
