Learning the Twitter Lingo
Twitter is the newest social networking tool that most are using. It seems to be so well-liked that It is so popular that it language and everything. If you need to use Twitter learn a few of the terms so you do not look silly your first time out.
It is just like instant messaging or text messaging. You feel like you have stepped into an alternative universe because everybody looks human but they are talking some sort of rubbish. Well, it isn’t truly rubbish not really gibberish but the Twitter language. You may think you are developing a lisp but that’s okay – everybody who uses it has one.
What are the Basics?
To get you going, here are some basic things to know. The site is named Twitter. Some interchange Twitter and Tweeter and that sure is a cock up. A tweeter is something that works with woofers in your car speakers. Now, you can use “tweeter” to refer to someone that uses Twitter if you need to.
The messages that you send are called Tweets. Don’t confuse it with chirps. A bird chirps and though a bird is the symbol, the messages that you chirp out are known as tweets. Each message is 140 characters or shorter.
A person that uses Twitter is a Twitterer. You can say a Twitter user but twitterer is more accepted. Twittering (or tweeting) is the act of sending and receiving tweets and using various sides of the service.
On Facebook you have friends, but on Twitter you have supporters. Yea, it sounds like you are hiring for a cult, but it distinguishes Twitter from the other social networking media out there today. You can be followed or have people that you follow.
There are several tools or applications that can be used with Twitter service. All of these will either start with “Tw”, hence the lisp. As an instance you have TweetDeck, Twhirl, Twitterfeed, Twitterrati and so on and so on.
Texting, Anyone?
Twitter does use some of the same language as text messaging or bulletin board users. With 140 characters, space is precious. Instead of typing “see you later,” change it to “CUL8R.” so, not only do you need to be familiar with Twitter jargon but text messaging terms help as well.
Follow Suit
Remember the lisp? Many Twitter terms are recycled terms with a Tw- prefix. For instance, “twalking” is someone that twitters (by text) while they are walking. “Twaffic” is twitter traffic. You get the idea.
For a more total list of Twitter jargon go to http://twittonary.com for more. This Twitter dictionary includes text messaging abbreviations, Twitter language and names for Twitter tools. Keep this handy and you may always look like a hip Twitterer.


27. Apr, 2009 

