Double double, toil and trouble twitzer twhirl twitch and twubble . The language of Shakespeare’s era may be difficult to understand but so is internet speak; the vocabulary of Twitter adding to the frothing cauldron.
Where do you begin with Twitter?:
As you may know the basic Twitter interface is just that – basic. Type in a short message and press enter. There are some official twitter commands that you can use. For example the @ command before a contacts name addresses a message to that person:
- From Sueblimely ” @Shakespeare Your rhymes are more revolting than Roald Dahl’s”
- DHLawrence to Shakespeare – “@Shakespeare When I read Shakespeare I am struck with wonder That such trivial people should muse and thunderIn such a lovely language.”
- replies from Shakespeare:
- @Sueblimely I thank you for your voice: thank you: Your most sweet voice. I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.
- @ DHLawrence Thou surly ill-breeding death-token!
Adding “Retweet: @” indicates that you are rebroadcasting a message made by someone else. e.g.
- Retweet: @Hamlet I am struck with wonder That such trivial people should muse and thunder In such a lovely language.
A hashtag (#) before a word is a kind of tag, a word which identifies a topic, place, event etc.
- #shakesepeare The Taming of the Shrew and Hamlet are showing in Stratford this season http://www.rsc.org.uk/content/5153.aspx.
#Hamlet @horatio O, I die, Horatio; The potent poison quite o’er-crows my spirit: I cannot live to hear the tweets from England;
Be careful you do not misquote 🙂 It may help to take a look at The Art and Science of Retweeting for Twitteraholics by Blogging Bits.
- Caroline Middlebrooke’s The Big Juicy Twitter Guide is worth reading if you are a newcomer to Twitter as is
- How to: The Beginners Guide to Twitter – Part 1, the basics by carocat of Cat’s Blog .
- How to explain Twitter and use it correctly, before it’s too late on New Media Bytes discusses twitter etiquette (twitiquette) and includes a video tutorial by Common Craft.
- 20 Things I Learned Using Twitter has some good tips on making the most of Twitter, finding contacts and using it efficiently/
There are so many applications, clients. scripts and extensions for interacting with Twitter (hereafter referred to as “thingies” – no that should be “thwingies”). Twitter is becoming far more than a simple messaging platform; with potential to provide us with valuable targeted multimedia information via computer and phone. Taking advantage of this means using more than the basic twitter site interface.
Where to find out more about Twitter thwingies:
- Twitter Fan Wiki, which is dedicated to keeping up with Twitter thwingies and all sorts of other aspects.
- ReadWriteWeb monitored methods used for interacting with Twitter and have produced a list of the top 20 (out of 142 possible ways). How We Tweet: The Definitive List of the Top Twitter Clients. The site has recently published The Most Popular Twitter Apps According to the Blogosphere. As I was writing this a Digsby popup informed me they had just published another – Top 10 Twitter Apps
- Mashable list 24th May -Twittermania: 140+ More Twitter Tools! – includes links to their other Twitter tool posts.
How and why to use Twitter:
- Maki of DoshDosh is cluey about Twitter and has written a number of posts on the topic including 17 Ways You Can Use Twitter: A Guide for Beginners, Marketers and Business Owners
- ProBlogger Darren Rowse is also a good source of knowledge. Take a look at 9 Benefits of Twitter for Bloggers for starters.
- 12 ways to use Twitter to increase your productivity on Simple Net.
- Twitter Freaks Group on diigo
That is enough reading material for now. While writing this, I have been trying to think of new twitter terms. How about:
- Twinkling – what the the Twitterati Glitterati do, whereas the rest of us tweet or twitter.
- Twender – how you message your sweetheart.
- Twyslexic – bad spelling in tertwit
- Twenterhooks – when you are waiting eagerly for a reply
I will leave you to guess what these already coined unofficial Twitter terms mean.
- Twisticuffs
- Twitterrheart
- Tweetheart
You can find the answers on the Twitter Fan Wiki Glossary and check out more Twitter terms and shortcuts on their Twictionary.
If you can think of any more of these, or know of good beginner’s guides to Twitter, please leave a comment or send a tweet to @Sueblimely.
Igor The Troll says
Twitt!
Igor The Trolls last blog post..China earthquake Twitter Robert Scoble
Sueblimely says
Hi Igor. Not sure if your comment was in relation to me for writing this post (accurate too) or a Twitter term you are suggesting. It is good to see you here in my little part of the blogosphere. Do come again. 😛
Sueblimelys last blog post..Twitter for Beginners
MN MLS says
Thanks for this info! I have been spending some time trying to learn more about Twitter. I appreciate you sharing this info with us. Thanks again.
Cat says
Thanks for linking to my Guide, but please also give correct credit, thanks. C
Cats last blog post..First come first served – Invites to Brightkite and Mento giveaway
Sueblimely says
Apologies,carocat. I have now given you two links to make up for it 🙂
Cat says
Thanks a lot. 🙂
And I’m glad you liked it!
Cats last blog post..First come first served – Invites to Brightkite and Mento giveaway
Igor The Troll says
I guess you have not seen Michael Arrington Twitter video comments post? Twitt!
Igor The Trolls last blog post..China earthquake Twitter Robert Scoble
Lightening says
How timely Sueblimely. Just this afternoon I decided it was time I actually DID something with the Twitter account I signed up for AGES ago.
Right now I still have very little clue how it all works. But I’m guessing I’ll get the hang it sooner or later.
Lightenings last blog post..5 Reasons To Add A Tag Cloud To Your Blog
Cat says
PLay around with Twitter for a couple days, look through the options, find yourself a great application to tweet from and you’ll never want to go back!
Twitter’s been having problems for a few days and I’ve missed it!
Cats last blog post..First come first served – Invites to Brightkite and Mento giveaway
dianeca says
Wow the blog world is abuzz with handy info today. Zhu posted on basiics for blogging, I posted on IMVU and you are all a twitter about twitter. I haven’t registered there yet but will probably do so within the next week. Word is if you aren’t twittering you aren’t ‘in’ 🙂
dianecas last blog post..Going crazy on IMVU
Zubli Zainordin says
Wow! Sueblimely, this post is simply funtwitteristic! I am learning a lot. For example the use of a simply key to achieve an interesting result. Earlier I am not moving deep into Twitter but now I shall enjoy the benefits Twitter is offering…
Zubli Zainordins last blog post..Shahrir Samad Blogs
Zubli Zainordin says
Dear Sueblimely, it has worthwhile my visiting and reading here, The God willing, I shall spend more precious moments benefiting form your posts, soon…
Zubli Zainordins last blog post..Shahrir Samad Blogs
aroengbinang says
I have ever used Twitter service for a couple of days and decided to stop using it. It might be because I haven’t really learnt deeper to get more benefit of it.
Thanks for the article. I will give it a second chance.
Tony says
Great post – twitter can be baffling to many – like me 🙄
Shinade says
Hi Sue,
My goodness it has been ages. I took a long long break and it is taking me sometime to make all of the rounds.
I am so grateful to you for this post. I have wanted to add twitter for so long. I already have registered but was too numb to understand all of it.
I have a post to get prepared for a friend who just had his book first book of poetry published.
And, I have to do a graphic for Speedy’s latest and greatest crazy antic.
After that I am headed right back here and see if I can follow your instructions and finally get on Twitter.
Oh BTW….Laurence is my daughter’s specialty. I am not a modernist fan. I love The Romantics. But, after listening to 8 years of Laurence and working through two dissertations with her….I know his writing well. But, I still don’t care for him.
Please don’t tell on me okay?
Hugs,
Jackie:-)
Sueblimely says
I am really getting into the swing of things with Twitter now and enjoying having some more direct contact with people I know through blogging. I am finding it an excellent source of news and good posts too – often it is a reminder for me to check out a blog if I am slow reading my RSS feeds. Twitter is the reason I found out about the next topic I am going to blog about too.
I always found Lawrence hard going. I liked Hardy when young and later became a Jane Austen fan – still love her books. My partner does not know how I could have liked Hardy because books are so depressing.
I look forward to catching up with you on Twitter when you are less busy. Please contact me if you need any help with it.
Shinade says
Oh dear,
I forgot to tell you that when I do my drops later today I will try to find you through a search and start dropping on you!! 🙂
Sueblimely says
To find someone on Entrecard you can click on the E in their blog’s Entrecard ad, next to or above the Drop Button, and it takes you to their profile.
Colin Campbell says
Twitterrificabulousplendid Sue
I like Twhirl and it is good for guick direct messages.
I only use it from time to time and only from my computer. It is for the most part a bit silly and massively time wasting.
Colin Campbells last blog post..How About Some Decent Broadband First?
Sueblimely says
I should have added that another good thing about Twitter is being silly 🙂 I agree though there is silly as in funny and silly as in inane on there. I do not want to know what someone had for breakfast.
Barbara Ling says
What a super list of Twitter options! Might I also add my Twitter humor site – http://www.TwitterBudgie.com ? It’s guaranteed to generate a smile or 76. 🙂
Best wishes,
Barbara
Barbara Lings last blog post..When life bruises you, decorate it with a happy face and rebound
Eric says
Is there a way to see the @replies people send to you if you are not following them? I can’t find the setting.
Thx
Eric
Erics last blog post..Dremu – Emu Oil Skin Care Products
Matt says
Every where I go all the rage is twitter, thanks for the little beginner tutorial because I had no idea what it was.
Curtis says
Very good article about the Tweetaholics like me. I enjoyed reading it and visiting all the links.
Curtiss last blog post..Tried and failed theme etc
Jaimie says
haha i love your stwongbad on the sidebar. cant help but laugh every time i hear his voice @_@
Jason says
Im not really sure what makes twitter so great, but lot of people seem to use it. I might be adding it to my Texas golf blog once i get some more posts up.
Jasons last blog post..Texas golf packages
Silla says
Didn’t know Twitter was so complicated! 😕
Thanks for the resources 🙂
diani says
That’s a superb info.
This twity things seem too complicated for me.
😀
dianis last blog post..Affiliate Marketing What is This?
Flower Types says
I liked this post, it is very informative and comprehensive
promosyon says
You have excellent analysis. thanks for writting
saltwater aquarium guide says
i was a huge twitter freak, but now have slowed down my tweaks as they got time consuming
Bonnie says
Thanks Sueblimely. I’ve been meaning to get to Twitter. I’ve printed our your blog to study.
m says
I do not use twitter at all, but this guide has peaked my curiosity.
ms last blog post..Make rap beats 2
ChaCha Fance says
You really broke it down! This is a great resource for all Twitter beginners; I will definitely be linking to it.
Tim says
Hi Sublimely!
Great post on how to get started with Twitter. One of the things I’ve seen is that people tend to shy away from Twitter because they don’t understand how it works. Your simple guide gives great information and leads people to some great articles (even if mine isn’t listed :smile:).
Tims last blog post..Why bother with more than one micro-blogging site?
Peter Monroe says
I have never done twitter. maybe I’ll start. It just seemed like kind of a big hassle, without any perceived benefit.
LA Law says
I was hoping this was a fad as I really found no use for it other than another time waster by tweens. But, after a CNN report that someone got arrested in Egypt and he used Twitter to get help there might actually be an honest good use for it…
LA Laws last blog post..Preparing to Meet Your Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer
good business web site hosting says
Great post ! I want to know when you update your blog, where can i subscribe to your blog? 🙂 🙂 🙂
Platform Beds Phil says
Thanks for this post. Twitter frustrated me somewhat when I first used it but I’m much more comfortable with it especially now that the navigation is so much better. Take care. 🙂
Rich says
Thanks for the Twitter tutorial! Does anyone know how we can use Twitter for SEM or backlinking purposes?
Rich
kouji says
this post caught my eye since i just started using twitter. quite a late arrival me. 🙂 thanks for the links and advice here.
koujis last blog post..captivating Capiz, a haiku poem
Danny Cooper says
Nice post, I never knew about the hashtag, I’m going to follow you on twitter now 🙂
Danny Coopers last blog post..Technorati – A Good Measure of Link Popularity?
Sueblimely says
I tend to have phases with Twitter – it is not something I make a priority and if I am busy it tends to get neglected. To get a good rapport going with new people takes more time and consistency than I have been putting in.
guslaban says
I’m new to Twitter. This is really a good guide for me as a newbie. Thanks for guidig me..
Minnesota Attorney says
Thanks for your helpful post. I’m new to Twitter as wasn’t sure how to get started. Your post help from a “technical” and “cultural” standpoint. Your post eased my transition into this foreign community. 🙂
Minnesota Attorneys last blog post..Blog Law 101: Keeping Your Blog Legal
Quatar jobs says
this is great I’m new to Twitter and I am learning a lot.Thanks for your helpful post.
Andrew. Estate Planning. says
Twitter can be such an enigma to newbies. Thanks for posting this tutorial to help people get their feet wet.
Andrew. Estate Planning.s last blog post..Stafford County Traffic Court Lawyers
webkinz says
You also can make your rss feed to have a twitter mirror and promote it in the community. I’m using that sometimes and that gives nice results.
webkinzs last blog post..Webkinz Pins for Webkinz Lovers
tony says
Nice post about twitter for begginers. Some great places and articles to learn almost anything you need to about twitter.
aaron says
Great post Sue. I’m always kind of a late adopter (still no MySpace, and just got Facebook), so this will be helpful for me.
aarons last blog post..Schwinn Jogging Strollers
skin care aromatherapy says
Thank you for all your up to date information, it is appreciated.
Andrew Murphy says
I posted an interesting list about all Twitter applications that I found. It’s quite interesting.
johan says
Thanks, I actually have never even been on Twitter, but it is all the rage, and you can easily network on it!
johans last blog post..How Does Zara Clothing Compare To Designer Clothing?
Mo says
informative. funny funny twitter
Mos last blog post..How To Find A Free G1
bali villas says
Thanks for the Twitter tutorial! Does anyone to know how to use Twitter for Search Engine Marketing…… ????
bali villass last blog post..Villa Aria
Jason Annas says
Nice resource, I somehow missed the post by Darren on the 9 benefits of using twitter for bloggers.
Cisco 642-812 says
Nice engagement about twitter as begginers. Some premium places also articles to debunk partly existent you rapture to about twitter.
Hole Saw says
I really don´t know what is so good on 140 char limited blogs…
rinoplastia endonasal says
I was looking for a post like this! never use twitter and do not really understand it at all, I will see if I understand a little more and i can give it a good use!
Kennewick Real Estate says
Nice post Sue. However, with Facebook’s “what are you doing” feature (status bar) I’ve started using Facebook as a replacement for Twitter. I wonder if others will start doing the same. Or, if Twitter starts incorporating some of what Facebook offers to stay in competition.
~ Colleen
Kennewick Real Estates last blog post..West Richland Homes For Sale
Roxboure Web Designers Birmingham says
Facebook is more useful with the “what are you doing” feature I think more people will use that than Twitter. Look up Facebook on Google Trends, it’s still growing in popularity
Hvordan tjene penger på blogg says
I think that using either of the two (facebook and twitter) is useless unless i have all my friends there. At the moment i have some friends that love facebook and some that love twitter, so i have to use both. If people could just agree on the matter….. 🙂
Hvordan tjene penger på bloggs last blog post..Tjene penger på blogging – leksjon 4
Funny Sayings says
Great post, one of the most informative posts on this subject online actuallly.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Funny Sayingss last blog post..Cheer up
peter says
Thats very useful information and it has helped a beginner like me to use twitter.
dme5430 says
good twitter 101. now i have to figure out if i have enough twitworthy comments to share
Ching Ya says
Thanks Sue for the links. I was thinking of those twe/twitter terms as I type this comment, ha.. I think I’m gonna check out that twitter wiki for sure.
As for some resources for twitter beginners, for those who’s having difficulties on finding like-minded people to befriends with, perhaps they could check on this analysis : Killer Apps for a Successful Twitter Network. However I would advise them to check on the Clickable Chart first so they know which app(s) suits them the most. Just my 2 cents. 🙂
Ching Yas last blog post..The Reveal: Killer Apps for A Successful Twitter Network (Pt.2)
Minnesota MLS says
Thanks for the post. I am finding it hard to go a day lately with out someone mentioning Twitter. It seems it may be a good way to expand my marketing.
Minnesota MLSs last blog post..What’s new with the Minnesota MLS
Kennewick Real Estate says
Thanks Sue,
The information available for Twitter is overwhelming. I think a post on the ONE place to start is in order!
~Colleen 🙂
Kennewick Real Estate says
Thanks Sue,
The information available for Twitter is overwhelming. I think a post on the ONE place to start is in order!
~Colleen 🙂
Kennewick Real Estates last blog post..Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, and Pasco Washington Relocation
how to build muscle says
This whole twitter thing is way overblown. I can’t figure out why people like it. Is it just me?
how to build muscles last blog post..Deadlifts & Squats Increase Testosterone levels?
Fraxel says
I think I read on the CNN website that Twitter was growing at a faster pace than Facebook. I STILL don’t understand the popularity of Twitter as I really don’t wan to know what you are doing, what you are having for lunch, etc. And it seems as though the old time Twitter-ers feel the same thing as more mainstream people join… They are tweeting nonsense.
Fraxels last blog post..Fraxel Laser Treatment Removes Old and New Scars
dme5430 says
just signed up for twitter to follow my son’s hockey team (their coach tweets updates of their scores from the bench)… everyone is using it now.
dme5430s last blog post..CDL Test
Gadget Game and Cell Phone Review says
thanks for your sharing 🙂 . i want bookmark this article because this article can help me problems
Vietnam Hotel Travel says
Sweet information! Thanks a lot!
itcomputerzone says
Thanks for the great blog entry!
itcomputerzones last blog post..FireFTP, free full feature FTP client
Susan says
Twitter is great, I add at least 15 friends a day, but I like most don’t really see a good application toward business for it, however I never really was a text person. I like to old fashion email or heck pick up the phone. I learned a ton by your article and thank you for posting it.
Bed Safety Rails says
I was one of the few that didn’t even know Twitter had “official twitter commands”. I am truly a beginner at Twitter. Thank you so much for this detailed information on the basics of Twitter.
Creative Web Design says
Do I just sent them as txt? Do I have to turn in on first? No, I don’t mean the phone, I mean do I have to txt ON to twitter first, then send the messages? Are there any instructions on Twitter for this. I have the web on my phone do you think I could just log into twitter from my phone?
rohadi says
sorry for long time i didn’t acces twitter, so im waiting for ur next post..
rohadis last blog post..Belajar Menaikkan Kembali Trafik Tukang Nggame
Kennewick Real Estate says
I’m not convinced Twitter is a viable business solution (yet). I have many followers and I update relatively frequently, but it’s more fun than business. – Colleen
Kennewick Real Estates last blog post..Highly Desirable Canyon Lakes in Kennewick Washington
Carpet Flooring Tampa says
first time ever heard about unofficial terms of Twitter Twisticuffs, Twitterrheart, Tweetheart. As i beginner looking for more post on Twitter.
Used Tires says
First of all great guide for beginners in twitter, I think twitter has set a new innovation in the internet world, but honestly I am not sure what we will see for the future for twitter. I am thinking we might see twitter evolve.
Till then,
Jean
Steve says
Hi Sue, Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the “The Art and Science of Retweeting for Twitteraholics by Blogging Bits”. And would Highly recommend it to anyone interested.
Healthcare Consulting Firm says
Interesting post. Thanks for guidance about twitter. I will following twitter to you.
Mike - Online Music Store says
Companies are even now starting to use twitter to broadcast their messages to their employees. It’s amazing how such a simple idea has caught on like this.
Insurance Tampa says
Facing very problem to use twitter actually confused how to use for business purpose but given link source little helpful to get understand batter.
Daniel says
Thanks for explaining twitter and for linking to all this nice resources. A beginner like me sure needs this. keep up the good work!
Daniel
Daniel @ Save My Marriage Todays last blog post..Can I Save My Marriage
TechacK says
You may consider linking
Twitter vocabulary for newbies at
http://techack.blogspot.com/2009/06/twitter-vocabulary-for-newbies.html
TechacKs last blog post..Remove Software Not Listed Under Add/ Remove Program
digital photo frame says
Its good infomation regarding twiiter for beginners.
gas card says
Macbeth was probably my favorite play by Shakespeare. There have been several comedic retakes at Shakespeare novels using “modern” language. I wonder what Shakespeare himself would tweet. LOL
-Randy
Jannie Funster says
The Big Juicy Twitter Guide,eh? That might just get me tweetin’ like the the pro I know I can one day be. I’ve been slow to catch onto the rage altho I do have a few followers.
Glad to Stumble Upon your blog.
Jannie Funsters last blog post..Five Little Lightbulbs
Creative Web Design says
Can someone PLEASE tell me how i retweet? From the twitter homepage i dont see anything that says retweet im new to twitter and idk how to retweet tell me how to from beginning to end like when you get on the homepage whats the 1st thing you do to retweet?
internet unlimited says
I should have added that another good thing about Twitter is being silly 🙂 I agree though there is silly as in funny and silly as in inane on there.
.-= internet unlimited´s last blog ..Telkomsel Internet Murah Unlimited ( bkn FLASH . . !!! ) =-.
Yoga Mat Review says
I registered at twitter, as i had an invitation from on of my friends. Never knew we could do so many stuffs with it! Wow! Thanks
.-= Yoga Mat Review´s last blog ..Yoga Mat Review: Picking The Best Possible Yoga Mat. =-.
Mob mesh says
Mammoth posting. Your blog is fantastic and full of joy. I think you design it specially for funny stuff. My friend tell me about your blog and he inspire with your collections of funny pictures and i inspire with your videos section. Specially bean related funny videos are really hilarious.
promosyon says
Its good infomation regarding twiiter for beginners.
.-= promosyon´s last blog ..Kapakl? Ajanda =-.
Ruri says
This is really complete resource of Twitter. I read one of the resource you mention above called “9 Benefits of Twitter for Bloggers”. This report based on true experience. That’s give good example how Twitter can give benefit.
.-= Ruri´s last blog ..What To See On A Gold Coast Holiday =-.
sampath says
Those information are good for new twitter user.
I have already been more than 6 months in twitter but i am wondering about one thing in my twitter account that is i got PR5 for my twitter account but there are many other user’s account those older me with many followers than me but they dont have any PR for there url.
fandy says
nice information regarding twiiter for beginners
Penny says
Thanks for the beginners guide to Twitter, makes it easier to understand, but I have to be honest I don’t really use this social net working.
Buy PSP Go says
Thanks for the Twitter guide, I am quite interested in it but just can’t find the time to constantly update my Twitter ‘status’.
.-= Buy PSP Go´s last blog ..Gran Turismo Free With PSP Go Pre Order! =-.
Business Plan says
nice post..
thanks
computer core says
Great Blog,. Keep share 😉
Read about Computer Core 😉
customer ratings says
Great computer site. keep sapmming 😉
ed hardy says
thank you for doing this study,it is very important for me.
Allstar says
Great article. Keep up the good work.
.-= Allstar´s last blog ..TPR-Guide #1 | Registrere en webserver =-.
randlad says
thanks fo rthe tips.. gret
.-= randlad´s last blog ..Comment by Lorf =-.
Education Center says
I’m a Twitter maniac…..
Very nice…. 😀
Vietnam Hotel Reviews says
Wow, I am a real newbie in twitter and to be honest I didn’t think there are such many things about twitter. Your tips are quite helpful. I am going to apply them. Thank you for sharing.
thecarsky says
Keep posting it is really informative article..thank you…
frank says
Thanx for sharing all the good twitter tips.
I’m a real twitter noob 🙁
Amy from PSP for free says
Hi!
I’m afraid that I still don’t reallu understand the purpose of twitter. I don’t understand how you can really utilise it.
Anyway, atleast I understand the basics now!
tjene penger says
Thanks for the introduction on twitter. Are Adly or other ad-programs for twitter any good?
.-= tjene penger´s last blog ..Tjen penger på nett, del 3 =-.
veteriner says
I am a real newbie in twitter and to be honest I didn’t think there are such many things about twitter. Your tips are quite helpful. I am going to apply them. Thank you for sharing.
Jason O says
Nice list of Twitter resources. Still not something I have really got to grips with. No doubt it can be very useful, but I fear I may get too addicted to it!
Free Beats says
Twitter took me a while to figure out..but the whole concept is pretty easy to understand. you just have erase what you already know about social networking