Twitter Glossary

Question 1

Twitter

Answer 1

A microblogging and social networking service on which users post and interact with messages known as “tweets”.

Question 2

Hashtag

Answer 2

Any word or phrase immediately preceded by the # symbol. When you click or tap on a hashtag, you’ll see other Tweets containing the same keyword or topic.

Question 3

@ Symbol

Answer 3

The @ sign is used to call out usernames in Tweets: “Hello @twitter!” People will use your @username to mention you in Tweets, send you a message or link to your profile.

Question 4

Alerts

Answer 4

Enable public safety agencies to inform people during emergencies by highlighting critical time-sensitive content with notifications and a unique look.

Question 5

Block

Answer 5

The account will be unable to follow you or add you to their Twitter lists, and you will not receive a notification if they mention you in a Tweet.

Question 6

Bio

Answer 6

A short (up to 160 characters) personal description that appears in your profile that serves to characterize your persona on Twitter.

Question 7

Direct Messages

Answer 7

Private messages (also known as DMs) sent from one Twitter account to another account(s). You can use Direct Messages for one-on-one private conversations, or between groups.

Question 8

Deactivation

Answer 8

Your Twitter account goes into a queue for permanent deletion from Twitter in 30 days. You may reactivate your account within the 30 day grace period.

Question 9

Follow

Answer 9

Subscribing to a Twitter account is called “following.” To start following, click or tap the Follow icon next to the account name on their profile to see their Tweets as soon as they post something new. Anyone on Twitter can follow or unfollow anyone else at any time, with the exception of blocked accounts.

Question 10

Geolocation or Geotagging

Answer 10

Adding a location to your Tweet (a geolocation or geotag) tells those who see your Tweet where you were when you posted that Tweet.

Question 11

Like (v.)

Answer 11

Tap the heart icon to like a Tweet and the author will see that you appreciate it.

Question 12

List

Answer 12

From your own account, you can create a List of other Twitter accounts by topic or interest (e.g., a list of friends, coworkers, celebrities, athletes). Lists create a timeline of Tweets, which you can also pin to the top of your Home timeline.

Question 13

Notification

Answer 13

Displays your interactions with other Twitter accounts, like mentions, likes, Retweets and who has recently followed you

Question 14

Pinned Tweets

Answer 14

You can pin one of your Tweets to the top of your profile page to keep it above the flow of time-ordered Tweets.

Question 15

Profile

Answer 15

Displays information you choose to share publicly, as well as all of the Tweets you’ve posted. Your profile along with your @username identify you on Twitter.

Question 16

Retweet (n.)

Answer 16

A Tweet that you forward to your followers is known as a Retweet. Often used to pass along news or other valuable discoveries on Twitter, Retweets always retain original attribution.

Question 17

Timeline

Answer 17

A real-time stream of Tweets. Your Home timeline, for instance, is where you see all the Tweets shared by your friends and other people you follow.

Question 18

Thread

Answer 18

A series of connected Tweets from one person. You can provide additional context, an update, or an extended point by connecting multiple Tweets together.

Question 19

Username

Answer 19

How you’re identified on Twitter and is always preceded immediately by the @ symbol.

Question 20

Verified Account

Answer 20

Indicates that the creator of these Tweets is a legitimate source. Verified accounts include public figures and those who may have experienced identity confusion on Twitter.