BRBK

What Does BRBK Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

BRBK means "Be Right Back."

More Observations...

The abbreviation BRBK is typically used in text and computer-speak, especially in gaming chat, to announce that the sender will be away for a short time. BRBK is normally used for short breaks such as going to the toilet, answering the door, or making a drink (i.e., a break lasting no more than a few minutes). However, it is often misused for long breaks, which can be annoying for those expecting the sender to return reasonably quickly. Of note, "Be Right Back" can also be abbreviated as BRB.

Image for BRBK

When I write BRBK, I mean this:

BRBK usually indicates that the sender will be away from the keyboard for a short time.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

BRBK
Definition:	Be Right Back (see also BRB)
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of BRBK in Sentences

Here are examples of BRBK in conversations:

• Steve: BRBK.
• Susie: OK.
• Susie [5 minutes later]: Hello?
• Steve [20 minutes later]: I'm back. I just popped to the shops for some beer.
• Susie: Next time, use AFK [Away from keyboard] instead of BRBK you chump!

• Gamer 1: Someone's at the door. BRBK.
• Gamer 2: OK.

An Academic Look at BRBK

BRBK is used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement), which translates best as "I will be right back." In other words, it is not used as another part of speech within a wider sentence. BRBK is an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Bee Arr Bee Kay). (Of note, initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are spoken like words.)

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we might have said something like "back in a jiffy" or "back in a mo" instead of using the abbreviation BRBK.

Example of BRBK Used in a Text

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