abbreviation
brb
bee-ar-BEE
Brb (abbreviation) means used in chat and messaging to say you are stepping away for a moment and will return shortly. Example: “brb, someone's at the door”
abbreviation
1
internet slang Used in chat and messaging to say you are stepping away for a moment and will return shortly.
"brb, someone's at the door"
"She typed brb and went quiet for an hour."
How to use brb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick way of saying I will be back in a minute.
When to use it
Informal, for messaging and gaming. Never use it in professional email or written work.
Memory tip
Usually written in lower case and left unpunctuated, on its own line.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
brb, one sec
afk brb
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_____, someone's at the door
Etymology
An initialism of be right back, from early online chat and messaging.
Synonyms
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back in a sec
one moment
hold on
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does brb stand for?
It stands for be right back. It signals a short absence, typically a few minutes rather than the rest of the day.
What is the difference between brb and afk?
Brb means be right back and promises a quick return. Afk means away from keyboard and simply states that you are not at your device, with no promise about how long. Gamers often pair them: brb afk.
What is the meaning of brb?
"brb" (abbreviation) means used in chat and messaging to say you are stepping away for a moment and will return shortly.
What is another word for brb?
Other words for "brb" include back in a sec, one moment, hold on.
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