ib4 

An acronym meaning "In before...". Usually following some type of noun. Used on forums to state that someone is posting in the thread before something imminent.

Bob: God doesn't exist!
Joe: ib4 uber-religous christians

ib4 by Adam Piola October 31, 2007

ib4 

ib4 means in before

Which you can also read about here: urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=in%20before

ib4 they lock up the rooms then lets get out!

ib4 by CrackjackxD July 20, 2017

IB4TL

IB4TL is an acronym meaning "In Before The Lock." It's a 'game', of sorts, that people play in Internet discussion groups.

You will see this acronym used on web boards, blogs, forums, et cetera. Using it sparingly is a good strategy for boosting your post count. When you KNOW a discussion is about to be locked, you can throw a quick 'IB4TL' reply in there, and get credited as if it were a normal post, even though it is basically a useless, one-word observation.

While this is a dishonest tactic, it is generally acceptable to most moderators and admins, and the message is left to stand, as-is, towards your overall post count. High post counts are a status symbol on many sites.

The gamble is, if the thread isn't locked, it makes YOU look like a fool - a poor judge of character. Sometimes a moderator or admin will leave a discussion open, that would otherwise be locked, just to make YOU look silly. As I said, it's a 'game'...

Troll: hi just wanna to tell everone hear u suck

Member: Then why are you here?

Troll: cuz yall sux

Member#2: Can we knock it off, please?

Troll: i like to knock u off

Member: IB4TL!

Member#2: LoL! IB4TL

Troll: waz tha mean u gay or sumpin

Moderator: That does it! I'm locking this thread. Troll, clean up your act or you'll be banned!

IB4TL by VinDSL November 26, 2004

ib4l 

In Before(B4) Locked

Usually used in forums where a controversial topic is being discussed. Opportunist posters will want to leave their mark by simply posting "IB4L" in the forum thread before the it is locked by forum administrator.

ib4l by halfway there July 18, 2006

ib4w 

"In Before Whack." Term used in online message boards when a thread is started about a topic that does not comply with the message board's rules of conduct. Users post this as a way to be cool and say they were there as part of the scandalous behavior before the administration found out about it and "whacked" the thread. This can also be used as sarcasm for a thread that appears to be bad, but is quite innocent.

User starts a topic with a picture of Hillary Clinton sucking on a popsicle stick.
Another user replies: "ib4w"

ib4w by TigerDroppings April 13, 2010

IB4DL 

Abbreviation used to describe a last second post, before a forum thread is locked.

"In before the lock"

"This thread needs to be locked! IB4DL!"

IB4DL by jkw2 February 3, 2008

ib4l 

In Business For Life.

1) Meaning that your job is rewarding and supports the bettering of humans.

2) Your job saves lives.

I enjoy being a nurse because I am ib4l.

ib4l by qwertyup June 5, 2009