About This Glossary
This comprehensive Twitch glossary covers everything from official platform terminology to community slang. Whether you're a new viewer trying to understand chat, a streamer learning the ecosystem, or a veteran looking up a specific term, this alphabetical guide has you covered.
- 100+ terms covering platform features, monetization, emotes, and community slang
- Categorized entries so you know if a term relates to monetization, features, chat culture, or moderation
- Cross-referenced with links to detailed guides where available
Twitch has developed its own rich vocabulary over years of live streaming culture. From platform-specific features like raids and Hype Trains to community-born slang like "Kappa" and "Poggers," understanding Twitch terminology is essential for navigating the platform effectively.
According to Twitch's official company page, the platform hosts millions of streamers and viewers daily, each contributing to an evolving lexicon that blends gaming culture, internet memes, and platform-specific mechanics. This glossary serves as your complete reference guide to understanding it all.
Quick Navigation
Ad Break Monetization
A scheduled period during a stream when commercials are shown to non-subscribers. Streamers can run manual ad breaks to prevent pre-roll ads for new viewers. See our complete Twitch Ads guide for strategies.
Affiliate Status
The first monetization tier on Twitch. Affiliates can earn from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. Requirements: 50 followers, 500 broadcast minutes, 7 unique broadcast days, and 3 average viewers over 30 days. See our Affiliate vs Partner guide.
AFK Slang
"Away From Keyboard" - indicates the streamer or viewer has temporarily stepped away. Streamers often display a BRB (Be Right Back) screen during AFK moments.
AutoMod Moderation
Twitch's automated moderation system that filters potentially inappropriate messages before they appear in chat. Streamers can adjust AutoMod sensitivity levels in their creator dashboard. According to Twitch's AutoMod documentation, it uses machine learning to detect various types of problematic content.
Ban Moderation
Permanently removing a user's ability to chat or view a channel. Streamers and moderators can ban users who violate community guidelines. Bans can be appealed through Twitch's system.
Bits Monetization
Twitch's virtual currency that viewers purchase and use to "cheer" in chat. Streamers receive $0.01 per Bit. Bits are used in chat with emotes called Cheermotes. See our complete Bits guide and Bits Revenue Calculator.
BRB Slang
"Be Right Back" - displayed when a streamer temporarily steps away. Most streamers have a BRB scene in their streaming software with music or animations to keep viewers engaged.
BTTV (BetterTTV) Extension
A popular browser extension that adds additional emotes, features, and customization to Twitch chat. Many community emotes like "monkaS" and "OMEGALUL" originate from BTTV. Learn more about extensions in our extensions guide.
Bounty Board Monetization
A Twitch feature allowing streamers to accept paid sponsorship opportunities directly through the platform. Bounties typically involve playing specific games or promoting products for a set payment.
Channel Points Feature
A loyalty system where viewers earn points by watching and can redeem them for channel rewards. Streamers customize available rewards like highlight messages, sound alerts, or special privileges. See our Channel Points guide and Points Calculator.
Chat Feature
The real-time text communication area where viewers interact with the streamer and each other. Chat is the heart of Twitch community interaction and can be moderated, filtered, or set to various modes.
Cheer Monetization
The act of using Bits in chat, displayed with animated Cheermote emotes. Example: "Cheer100" sends 100 Bits with a corresponding animation. Higher Bit amounts show more elaborate animations.
Cheermote Feature
Special animated emotes that appear when viewers cheer Bits. Different Bit amounts trigger different tier emotes (1, 100, 1000, 5000, 10000+ Bits each have unique animations).
Clip Feature
A short video segment (up to 60 seconds) that viewers or streamers can capture from live broadcasts or VODs. Clips can be shared, go viral, and help promote channels. Popular clips often spread across social media.
CPM Monetization
"Cost Per Mille" (thousand) - the advertising metric measuring how much advertisers pay per 1,000 ad impressions. Twitch CPM rates vary by region, season, and content category. See our Ads guide for typical rates.
Creator Dashboard Feature
Twitch's control panel for streamers to manage their channel, view analytics, configure settings, install extensions, and access monetization features. Accessed at dashboard.twitch.tv.
Donation Monetization
Direct monetary support sent to streamers through third-party services like Streamlabs or StreamElements (not through Twitch itself). Unlike Bits or subs, donations typically have lower or no platform fees but aren't integrated into Twitch's system.
Drops Feature
In-game rewards viewers earn by watching specific streams that have Drops enabled. Game publishers partner with Twitch to distribute items, loot, or bonuses to viewers who watch eligible streams for required durations.
Emote Feature
Small images or animations used in Twitch chat to express emotions, reactions, or inside jokes. Types include global emotes (available to everyone), subscriber emotes (channel-specific), and third-party emotes (BTTV, FFZ, 7TV).
Emote-Only Mode Moderation
A chat mode where only emotes can be posted, no text. Often used during chaotic moments, spam waves, or to create visual celebrations in chat.
Extension Feature
Interactive applications that add functionality to Twitch channels as overlays, panels, or mobile components. Extensions enable games, polls, stats displays, monetization features, and more. See our Extensions guide and interactive extensions list.
F Slang
Typing "F" in chat means paying respects or acknowledging failure/death. Originated from the "Press F to pay respects" meme from Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Can be sincere or humorous depending on context.
FFZ (FrankerFaceZ) Extension
A browser extension similar to BTTV that adds custom emotes and chat enhancements. Many streamers enable both FFZ and BTTV emotes for their communities.
First Slang
When viewers type "first" claiming to be the first chatter when a stream goes live. Often done jokingly or competitively. Some channels discourage this practice.
Follow Feature
Subscribing to a channel's updates for free. Followers receive notifications when the channel goes live. Following is free, unlike subscribing which requires payment.
Founder Badge Feature
A special subscriber badge given to the first subscribers of a channel (before it reached certain thresholds). Founder badges are permanent and indicate early support of a growing channel.
GG Slang
"Good Game" - universal gaming courtesy. Used sincerely after matches or sarcastically after failures. Variations include "GGWP" (Good Game, Well Played) and "GGs" (plural acknowledgment).
Gift Sub Monetization
A subscription purchased by one viewer and given to another. Gift subs can target specific users or be distributed randomly to community members. Streamers earn the same revenue from gift subs as regular subs. See Subscriptions guide.
Global Emote Feature
Emotes available to all Twitch users regardless of subscription status. Includes classic emotes like Kappa, PogChamp, LUL, and others accessible platform-wide.
Go Live Feature
The act of starting a broadcast. When streamers "go live," their channel becomes active, followers are notified, and the stream appears in directories.
Host (Deprecated) Feature
A former Twitch feature that allowed channels to display another channel's stream on their page while offline. Hosting was replaced by the raid system in 2022. Raids are now the primary way to send viewers to other channels.
Hype Chat Monetization
A feature allowing viewers to pay to pin and highlight their message in chat for a duration. Similar to YouTube's Super Chat. Messages stay visible at the top of chat for extended periods.
Hype Train Feature
A community event triggered when rapid succession of subs, Bits, or gift subs occurs. Hype Trains have 5 levels, with each level requiring more support to reach. Completing levels can unlock bonuses. See our Hype Train guide.
IRL Category
"In Real Life" - a Twitch category for non-gaming content like outdoor streams, cooking, travel, or just chatting. IRL streaming has grown significantly, especially in the "Just Chatting" category.
Just Chatting Category
The most popular non-gaming category on Twitch. Streamers use it for conversation-focused content, reactions, interviews, or any content not fitting specific game or activity categories. Often abbreviated as "JC."
Kappa Emote
The iconic Twitch emote showing a grayscale smirking face. Used to indicate sarcasm, irony, or that a message shouldn't be taken seriously. One of the most recognized symbols of Twitch culture, named after former Twitch employee Josh DeSeno.
Kappapride Emote
A rainbow-colored version of Kappa, often used during Pride Month or to express LGBTQ+ support. Also used playfully in various contexts.
Lurk / Lurker Slang
Watching a stream without actively participating in chat. Lurkers are valuable community members who contribute viewership even without chatting. Many viewers announce they're "going to lurk" to support the stream passively.
LUL Emote
A global Twitch emote expressing laughter or amusement. Features TotalBiscuit's (John Bain) laughing face. Commonly used instead of typing "lol" or "haha."
Mod / Moderator Role
A trusted community member given moderation powers by the streamer. Mods can delete messages, timeout users, ban rule-breakers, and help manage chat. Indicated by a green sword badge next to their username.
MonkaS Emote
A BTTV/FFZ emote showing Pepe the Frog sweating nervously. Used during tense, scary, or anxiety-inducing moments in streams. One of the most popular third-party emotes.
MonkaW Emote
A zoomed-in, more intense version of MonkaS. Used for extremely tense or frightening moments. The closer zoom emphasizes the anxious expression.
Nightbot Bot
A popular third-party chat bot used for moderation, custom commands, timers, spam filtering, and song requests. One of the most widely used bots alongside Streamlabs and StreamElements bots.
Notification Squad Slang
Viewers who arrive immediately when a stream goes live because they have notifications enabled. Often acknowledged by streamers at the start of broadcasts.
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Software
Free, open-source streaming software used by many Twitch streamers. OBS handles video encoding, scene management, and streaming output. Alternatives include Streamlabs OBS and XSplit.
OMEGALUL Emote
A BTTV emote showing an extremely exaggerated laughing face. Used when something is exceptionally funny. An amplified version of LUL for bigger laughs.
Overlay Feature
Visual elements displayed on top of the stream video, such as webcam frames, alerts, follower goals, chat displays, or extension content. Overlays enhance stream presentation and branding.
Panel Feature
Customizable sections below a Twitch stream that display information about the streamer, schedule, rules, donation links, social media, and more. Extensions can also appear as panels.
Partner Status
The highest creator tier on Twitch. Partners receive additional benefits including custom emote slots, verified badge, potential higher revenue splits, and transcoding options. See our Affiliate vs Partner guide.
Partner Plus Status
An enhanced tier for Partners maintaining 350+ paid subscribers. Partner Plus members receive 70% subscription revenue instead of the standard 50%. See the official Partner Plus documentation.
PepeLaugh Emote
A BTTV emote showing Pepe the Frog laughing, often used when the streamer is about to fail at something or the viewer knows something the streamer doesn't.
Pog / PogChamp / Poggers Emote
Expressions of excitement, amazement, or hype. PogChamp was an original Twitch emote (later replaced), and "Pog" / "Poggers" became widespread slang. Used when something impressive or exciting happens.
Predictions Feature
A Channel Points feature where viewers bet points on outcomes of events chosen by the streamer (e.g., "Will I win this game?"). Correct predictions multiply wagered points.
Pre-roll Ad Monetization
An advertisement shown to new viewers when they first join a stream. Pre-rolls can be disabled temporarily by running mid-roll ads. See Ads guide.
Prime Gaming Feature
Benefits included with Amazon Prime membership, including one free Twitch subscription per month, free games, and in-game loot. Prime subs provide full Tier 1 benefits and must be manually renewed monthly.
Raid Feature
Sending your viewers to another channel when ending your stream. Raids help build community connections and support fellow streamers. The receiving channel sees incoming viewers with a raid notification. See our complete Raids guide.
Resub Monetization
Renewing a subscription, especially after a streak of consecutive months. Resub messages often display the total months subscribed, celebrating viewer loyalty.
RIP Slang
"Rest In Peace" - used when a streamer's character dies, they fail at something, or anything unfortunate happens. Can be sincere or humorous. Often spammed in chat during gaming deaths.
Scene Feature
A preset configuration of video sources, overlays, and audio in streaming software like OBS. Streamers switch between scenes (gameplay, BRB, just chatting, ending) during broadcasts.
Slow Mode Moderation
A chat setting that limits how frequently users can send messages. Configurable from 3 to 120 seconds between messages. Used to reduce chat speed during busy moments.
Snipe / Stream Snipe Slang
Watching a streamer's broadcast to gain an unfair advantage against them in competitive games. Stream snipers queue into the same matches as streamers using the stream to locate or counter them.
Sub / Subscriber Monetization
A viewer who pays monthly to support a channel, receiving benefits like emotes, badges, and ad-free viewing. Three tiers exist: $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99. See Subscriptions guide.
Sub-Only Mode Moderation
A chat mode restricting messages to subscribers only. Used during raids, high-traffic events, or when chat becomes difficult to moderate.
Sub Streak Feature
The number of consecutive months a viewer has maintained their subscription. Streaks are displayed in resub messages and unlock progressive loyalty badges.
Timeout Moderation
A temporary ban preventing a user from chatting for a specified duration (seconds to hours). Less severe than a permanent ban, used for minor infractions or cooling off periods.
TOS (Terms of Service) Policy
Twitch's rules that all users must follow. TOS violations can result in channel suspensions, bans, or removal from the platform. The Community Guidelines detail acceptable behavior.
Transcoding Feature
Twitch's system for providing multiple video quality options (1080p, 720p, 480p, etc.). Partners always have transcoding; Affiliates and non-partnered streamers receive it based on availability.
Trihard Emote
A global Twitch emote showing an excited face. Named after streamer TriHex. Used to express enthusiasm, excitement, or during racing/competition moments.
VIP Role
A special role streamers can assign to trusted community members. VIPs receive a badge, can post links, and are exempt from slow mode and sub-only mode. Limited slots available based on channel size.
VOD (Video On Demand) Feature
Recorded past broadcasts that viewers can watch after the live stream ends. VODs are stored temporarily (14-60 days depending on status) unless highlighted or exported to YouTube.
Viewbot Violation
Artificial viewers created by bots to inflate view counts illegitimately. Viewbotting violates Twitch TOS and can result in channel termination. Sometimes used maliciously against streamers by others.
W Slang
Short for "Win" - used to celebrate victories, good plays, or positive outcomes. Opposite of "L" (Loss). Example: "That's a W!" means that's a win/success.
Whisper Feature
Twitch's private messaging system for direct communication between users. Whispers are separate from public chat and can be accessed from the chat interface or message inbox.
WIDEPEEPOHAPPY Emote
A BTTV emote showing an extremely wide, happy Pepe. Used to express pure joy, happiness, or wholesomeness. Part of the "wide" emote family featuring stretched expressions.
Conclusion
Twitch's vocabulary continues to evolve as the platform grows and new memes, features, and community expressions emerge. This glossary covers the essential terms you'll encounter as a streamer or viewer, from official platform terminology to the slang that makes Twitch culture unique.
Understanding these terms helps you navigate conversations, comprehend streams, and participate meaningfully in communities. Whether you're learning what Hype Train means, figuring out Bits monetization, or just trying to understand why everyone is typing "Kappa" in chat, this glossary serves as your comprehensive reference.
Related Resources
- Affiliate vs Partner Guide - Understanding creator tiers and requirements
- Subscriptions Guide - Complete guide to sub tiers and revenue
- Bits Guide - Everything about Twitch's virtual currency
- Raids Guide - Raiding mechanics and community building
- Hype Train Guide - Maximizing Hype Train events
- Channel Points Guide - Setting up and using Channel Points
- Extensions Guide - Installing and using Twitch Extensions
