BRB Meaning: How to Use 'Be Right Back' Correctly

Meaning 1：be right back (BRB)

BRB 🔊

/biː ɑːr biː/

phrase

Used in online chats to tell someone you will be away for a short time and will return soon.

be right back 🔊

➕

/biː raɪt bæk/

phrase

An internet acronym used to tell someone you will be away for a short period and will return soon.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：Beginner

📖 Root Explanation

Acronym of 'be right back'.

💡 Mnemonic

Be Right Back - think of grabbing a snack and returning to your screen.

📖 Example

I need to grab a glass of water, BRB! 🔊 I need to get a glass of water; I will be right back.

🔗 Collocations

say BRB – To say that you will be right back.

type BRB in chat – To type the acronym BRB in an online conversation.

send a BRB message – To send a message containing BRB as a notification.

🔄 Synonyms

AFK (phrase) – Away from keyboard; used to indicate you are temporarily not at the computer.

GTG (phrase) – Got to go; used to say you need to leave the conversation.

TTYL (phrase) – Talk to you later; used to end the conversation briefly.

📖 Cultural Story

Originated in 1990s online chat rooms and instant messaging. Users typed 'BRB' to quickly inform others they would be away briefly and return soon.