IIRC Meaning

Last Updated:

What does IIRC mean?

IIRC means If I Recall Correctly. It could also mean If I Remember Correctly.

On this page:

IIRC Meaning
Find out what IIRC means and how it is used.

IIRC is an initialism that stands for If I Recall Correctly or If I Remember Correctly. It is used in online conversations or text messages to tell people that you’re not certain about what you’re saying.

Where is IIRC used?

IIRC is typically used on social networks and platforms that allow users to chat with each other. It can also be used in text messages.

IIRC is used on the follow platforms and places:

  • texting
  • online conversation
  • Discord
  • Facebook
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Instagram
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Twitch
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
An example of the initialism IIRC in a text message.
An example of the initialism IIRC in a text message.

How is IIRC used?

IIRC is used to tell someone that you aren’t completely sure if what you’re about to say (or have just said) is true. In other words, you’re basically saying “I remember this being true”.

It is typically used in online chats (e.g. Facebook Messenger, Discord, Twitch chat, etc.) or on discussion forums like Reddit.

Do people say IIRC out loud?

No, people just say the actual words “if I recall correctly”.

Example Uses of IIRC

On Reddit:
IIRC it's against the law to break the speed limit.

Some genius might remember that it's illegal to drive faster than the posted speed limit.

On Reddit:
PlayStation was more popular than Xbox back in 2005 IIRC.

Someone thinks that the PlayStation was a more popular game console than the Xbox in 2005.

In a text message:
IIRC it's really hard to find parking there. We should take the bus or something.

Someone tells their friends that it's difficult to find parking near the place they're planning to go.

On online conversation:
IIRC Instagram existed before Facebook.

Someone incorrectly remembers Instagram existing before Facebook (Facebook existed before Instagram).

On Facebook Messenger:

Someone correctly remembers that Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher won a total of seven world championships during his career.

On online conversation:
IIRC Facebook used to only allow college students to join.

Someone correctly remembers that Facebook originally only allowed college students to create accounts.

Who uses IIRC?

IIRC is probably used most often by those who frequently talk to others online. People who just log in to Facebook and check their email here and there are probably not going to get into discussions with others where they’ll need to use IIRC.

History of IIRC

First Use

IIRC was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2002, which makes it quite old relative to many other slang terms. It was used frequently on IRC and discussion forums.

Data from Google Trends showing the popularity of searches for IIRC.
Data from Google Trends showing the popularity of searches for IIRC.

Rise in Popularity

According to Google Trends, IIRC has not risen in popularity in recent times (since 2004, at least not as far as we can tell using search frequency as a proxy for popularity). Searches for the term have slightly declined over the years.

What was used before IIRC?

Nothing; people probably just said something like “I’m pretty sure” or “if I recall correctly”.

Other Definitions of IIRC

IIRC can also mean:

  • If I Remember Correctly

If I Remember Correctly

Basically the same thing as “if I recall correctly”.