BRB Meaning
Last Updated:What does BRB mean?
BRB means Be Right Back.
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BRB is a popular initialism that stands for “be right back”. It is used to tell others that you have to stop and do something, but that you’ll be back shortly.
Where is BRB used?
BRB is used most often on social networks and websites where people chat with each other, such as Discord, Twitch and Facebook Messenger. It’s also used from time to time in text messages, and sometimes in comments on social media posts.
BRB is used on the follow platforms and places:
- texting
- online conversation
- Discord
- Facebook Messenger
- Snapchat
- Twitch
- YouTube
How is BRB used?
BRB is used to let others know that you have to stop what you’re doing for a short period of time, but that you’ll be back soon. For example, if you’re talking to someone on Discord but you get an important phone call from your boss, you might type “BRB” and then take the call.
Do people say BRB out loud?
Unlike many abbreviations and initialisms, we do sometimes hear people say “BRB” IRL. Still, it’s more common for people to say “be right back”.
Example Uses of BRB
I have to let my dog out, BRB.
Someone tells their friend that they have to take a break from their conversation for a moment to let their dog out into the yard to go to the bathroom.
Running to the store, BRB.
Someone texts their friend to let them know that they're going to the store real quick.
On Discord:Bathroom break, BRB.
Someone leaves a game to go to the bathroom.
On online conversation:Someone is knocking at the door, I'll BRB.
Someone has to step away from the computer because someone is at their door.
On YouTube:BRB, going to buy a Ferrari.
Someone comments on a YouTube video showcasing how cool the newest Ferrari is.
Who uses BRB?
BRB seems to be used by people who spend a lot of time talking to others online (e.g. gamers), for whom the time savings from shortening “be right back” to “BRB” makes sense.
History of BRB
First Use
BRB has been used for quite a while, but we’re not sure when exactly it was first used. It was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2003.
Rise in Popularity
According to Google Trends, Google searches for “BRB” increased over time up until around mid 2011. Since, they have slowly declined. Since early 2020, searches began to pick back up – perhaps as a result of more people spending time talking to each other online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What was used before BRB?
Before BRB, we suspect people just said “be right back”.