Twitter is not the first technology to confound verbose writers by enforcing character limits. As many people know, Twitter's 140-character limit was modeled off the 160-character limit of SMS. But as Ben Schott’s column in the New York Times this week [2] points out, both of these technologies were far behind another character-limiting message system – the telegraph. Schott says that people were charged extra for words with more than 10 characters and messages longer than 10 words, so you got the most bang for your buck by coming in under 150 characters. In the interest cost-savings and secrecy, people developed extensive lists of telegraph codes. The full list is both confusing and entertaining, but here are a few examples just to give you an idea:
GEYSER: Do not pay in gold.
HURST: The hunting expedition will not set out.
TITMOUSE: I (we) accept with pleasure your invitation for the theater tomorrow evening.
CRISP: Can you recommend to me a good female cook?
ESPECIALLY: Do not try the experiment.
AMPHIMACER: You must send my allowance immediately.
We have all been creative in trying to fit our thoughts and conversations into 140 characters, and some common abbreviations [3] have emerged. We say RT to indicate that we are repeating someone else’s tweet. We give a HT (hat tip) to show that we heard about a link from another user. We abbreviate words like GR8 and UR and LOL, but as Schott wonders in his column, if Twitter continues to advance and grow, tweeting in code could become more common. As such, I’ve been thinking about what some potential Twitter code words could be for social media, social good and social situations.
Social Media
FEED: New blog post up. Check it out.
FEEDBACK: I commented on your blog post.
CHAIN: Your link is broken.
DITCH: If you don't stop filling my twitter feed with excessive inane details, I'll be forced to unfollow you.
FLOUNDER: Twitter is down again.
TWITJACK: I think I’m being targeted by a spammer. Don’t open links from me regarding weight loss, dating tips, or prescription medicine.
Social Good
WARBUCKS: I just donated to a worthy cause.
STANDBY: I have a free afternoon. Does anyone know how I can use it to pitch in?
PLUG: Can someone recommend a good local volunteering experience?
GRATIS: We are a nonprofit in need of pro bono consultants.
HANCOCK: Please sign my petition.
BALLOT: Will you vote for my cause in this online competition?
Social Situations
FIVEOCLOCK: Great happy hour specials here for the next hour.
MERRIER: I'm at a fun party, you should join.
MAYDATE: This date is tanking. Somebody please give me an out.
HASHBROWN: I’m hosting a small group for brunch this weekend. Who has a good, easy recipe for me?
BLOWOUT: This store is having a huge sale. Bargains to be had.
DISCRETION: There are some unflattering pictures of you on Facebook. You should detag those quickly.
That's just a start, so please add your own Twitter code words!
Comments
So creative, Kristin! Terrific idea not just for a post, but how to converse in the Twitterverse going forward.
Here are a few more for fodder=>
Social media:
GIGGLES: Check out this funny link.
POPCORN: Check out this video.
EARMUFFS: Check out this podcast.
MILESTONE: Just reached another 500 (or 100, or 1000) followers.
Social Good:
PROBONO: We're pro bono volunteers willing to help out.
LENDHAND or SERVE: Here's an upcoming service opportunity.
ADVOCATE: Send this message to your rep/senator.
DIAL: Call in this message to your rep/senator.
STATUS: Put up this FB status message to support my cause.
Social Situations:
GATHER: We're hanging out here -- come join!
TAKEOUT: Love this new restaurant, check it out.
REFUND: This show/movie is terrible; don't waste time or money on it.
SNOOZE: I'm bored. Any suggestions on what can perk me up?
DOLLAR: Uh-oh, ran out of cash. Where's the closest ATM?
Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!
Social Media:
EGO: I have posted flattering photos of myself, or created a website I am very proud of, or written something I find quite clever.
SHILL: Once again, my office is requiring me to spread the word about something.
BLAHBLAH: I am at a conference that is boring me to tears. I shall live-tweet it, because surely you and others will find it riveting.
ELVIS: A celebrity of some note has died. I would like you to be the first to tell you.
Social Good:
HERO: Please applaud this person who did something nice.
JAM: Please call and fax your rep till they scream or their equipment breaks.
TWINS: Donate now, and your contribution will be matched.
Social Situations:
VIP: I have nothing to say, but I am tweeting to look busy and important.
YAWN: Get me out of here.
E-BOOZE: As I try to get through the last few hours of the day/week, please join me for an imaginary cocktail.
GIRANIMAL: Need help accessorizing. See twitpic -- does this go with this?