What is inb4?

"Inb4" is an internet slang term that stands for "in before." It is commonly used on online forums, message boards, and social media to preemptively comment on or predict a reaction to a post. People often use "inb4" to acknowledge or anticipate a likely or obvious response that is expected to follow a discussion thread. For example, someone might say "inb4 someone mentions the weather" in a conversation likely to turn toward weather-related topics.

The usage of "inb4" reflects a blend of humor and anticipation, where the writer predicts how others will respond, often attempting to add a layer of levity or self-awareness to the conversation. This term helps create a communal, often humorous anticipation of common, repeated discourse patterns in online communications.