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The phrase "In before", most commonly abbreviated as "in b4" means to post before likely anticipated content or predictable user behavior.
While "in b4" is commonly used on 4chan, it can apply to all forums.
h2. Origin
True origin is unknown, but it is most likely to be coined by 4chan.
One of the earliest archived examples of "in b4" on 4chan is from March 31st, 2007, although it is doubtful that this is the first appearence.
* Post No.23351726 from thread <a href=http://4chanarchive.org/brchive/dspl_thread.php5?thread_id=23351072&x=Amigara+Fault...+drrr...drrr...drrr>23351072</a> "Amigara Fault... drrr...drrr...drrr"
<blockquote>;
;
in b4 drr...drr...drr
</blockquote>
h2. Usage
"In b4" is used when a poster replies before the most likely event or another users posts some specific content or phrase. This is done to avoid said content or provoke lulz at someone who actually posts it afterwards.
A common example are CP threads on 4chan where the thread is amassed with "in b4 404" to indicate they have viewed the thread before a mod deleted it.
h2. Spread
The first (and currently only) <a href=http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=in%20b4>Urban Dictionary</a> definition was created on April 30th, 2007 by <a href=http://www.urbandictionary.com/author.php?author=Frederico+Lo+Cunto>Frederico Lo Cunto</a>.
<blockquote>
An abbreviation used on messageboards like /b/ in anticipation of a certain image, event, or meme occuring.
"In b4 Togepi" = I am sure that any second now, a picture of Togepi will be posted to this thread.
"In b4 b&" = There is no doubt that someone is about to get the banhammer because of their churlish behavior.
"In b4 v&" = I am quite certain that the FBI will soon be showing up to take us all for a ride in the party van, and if such a thing happens, you can't say I didn't see it coming.
</blockquote>
The first <a href=http://encyclopediadramatica.com/index.php?title=In_before_X&oldid=1997203554>ED article on "In Before X"</a> was created four months later on August 3rd, 2007.
<blockquote>
In before X can only be used as the first reply to a thread or comment, and only if that thread or comment is bait: that is, there is a near 100% chance that someone else will reply to the OP using a particular meme, flame, or solution. Saying "in before X", where X is the anticipated response in question (or a variation thereof), under any other circumstances is rong.
The intent of the OP is irrelevant. Even if he's completely ignorant of whatever he's baiting, he is STILL baiting it.
In before X is a troll's way of bragging that he got to a thread before the anticipated reply could be posted, thus mocking all future posters to that thread for their slowness.
</blockquote>
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