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In The Truth

A phrase used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to refer to the state of being a Jehovah’s Witness (JW). It is based on the assumption that the JW faith is the one true religion and is the only one that teaches “the truth.”

Synonyms: One of us, baptized, in good standing

Antonyms: Disfellowshipped, apostate, out of the truth (or simply “out”), worldly people
Example 1
JW 1: “How long have you been in the truth?”
JW 2: “My whole life, I was raised in the truth.”

Example 2
JW 1: “Is Roger still in the truth? I saw him hanging out with some worldly people.”
JW 2: “Oh no, he’s out. He got disfellowshipped for knocking up his girlfriend.”
by JW Terms October 13, 2018
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Worldly

When used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, refers to any person, thing, or practice NOT associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
You’ll never find happiness if you marry a worldly person.
by JW Terms December 8, 2018
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Home But Hiding

A phrase used by Jehovah’s Witnesses conducting door-to-door ministry to jokingly refer to the occurrence when a householder is obviously home but pretending not to be.

This phrase is a play-on-words based on the official phrase “Not at Home.” Jehovah’s Witnesses preach methodically and keep lists of every home they visit where no one answered the door, so that they can go back at another time in the hopes that someone will eventually answer. The list is referred to as “the not at homes” and the house itself is referred to as “a not at home.”

“Home-but-hiding” is not an official category and those houses are recorded as “not-at-homes” so that someone can return at another time.
JW 1: “Was that last house a not at home?”
JW 2: “No, it was a home but hiding.”
JW 1: “Ha! At least it wasn’t a do not call.”
by JW Terms September 26, 2018
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DF’ed

When used by Jehovah’s Witnesses:

Short for “disfellowshipped” (see disfellowshipping).

Frequently used as a code word because the speaker does not want non-Jehovah’s Witnesses to understand what they are talking about. This reflects the fact that many JWs are ashamed of or embarasssed by the practice.

However, it is sometimes used purely out of laziness as the word “disfellowshipped” is very long.
Jeremy can’t come with us to Europe anymore because he got DF’ed.
by JW Terms October 20, 2018
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COBE

In the Jehovah’s Witness religion, basically the boss elder of an individual congregation.

Stands for “Coordinator of Body of Elders.” Formerly called “Presiding Overseer” or “PO.”
My COBE says we’re not allowed to wear skirts above the knee.
by JW Terms November 17, 2018
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Leave The Truth

To leave or to be ejected from the Jehovah’s Witness religion (see in The Truth).

Although the word “leave” implies purposeful action, the phrase “leave the truth” most commonly refers to people whom were disfellowshipped against their will (see disfellowshipping). This reflects the attitude that when a person is disfellowshipped, it is their own fault.
If you leave the Truth, we can’t be friends anymore.
by JW Terms October 21, 2018
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Out

The state of no longer being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Short for the phrase “out of The Truth.”

The phrase could refer to someone that has been disfellowshipped, has been reproved, has been branded an apostate, or has publically disassociated themselves; however, it could also refer to someone that is technically still one of Jehovah’s Witnesses but was able to fade from the religion with receiving any official punishment for doing so.
I can’t believe you’re out. You’re the last person I thought would leave The Truth.
by JW Terms November 17, 2018
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