TLC

When someone or something needs tender love and care, they need some TLC. People often use it as a noun, i.e., "What she needs right now is a little TLC."

The acronym dates back to at least the 1950s, with some examples in print, although the origins are unclear. People commonly use it to describe something that can be made right with a little bit of attention. For example, a person may rehab an old house with some TLC, like removing junk, a fresh coat of paint, and new carpet. Or, a person who is stressed out and tired might feel refreshed with some TLC from a friend or partner, like some wine, a bubble bath, and a home-cooked meal.

People may also use TLC to refer to the popular all-female band from the 1990s. In this case, the three-letter acronym stands for Tionne, Lisa, and Crystal, which are the members' names.

Others may use TLC to refer to the TV channel. In this case, the acronym stands for, "The Learning Channel."