What tone and formality is BRB?

"BRB" has a casual & informative tone and is considered informal in digital communication.

Reference ID: brb

Verified Reference Updated: Jan 10, 2025

BRB

Be Right Back

Pronunciation: /biː-ɑːr-biː/

Primary Meaning

BRB stands for "Be Right Back".

A status indicator letting others know the sender is stepping away from the chat or game for a short period and will return soon.

Primary Category Texting · Gaming

Tone & Register Casual & informative

Formality Level Informal

First Observed c. 1988 (IRC Era)

Real-World Chat Example

You

Doorbell rang, brb 2 mins!

Morgan

All good, take your time.

How it works here: The sender uses "brb" to pause the conversation briefly.

Send "BRB" when stepping away from your screen or conversation temporarily, indicating you will return shortly.

Common Communication Contexts:

Instant messaging Multiplayer gaming Workplace chat (Slack) Livestreams

One of the earliest internet acronyms originating in IRC chatrooms during the late 1980s.

Alternative spellings: brb, Brb, B.R.B.