Are You Still Calling X ‘Twitter’? Don’t Worry, Most People Are.

Ahmad Sherkawi
2 min readNov 6, 2023

In the whirlwind of social media evolution, the recent rebranding of Twitter to ‘X’ by Elon Musk stands out as a particularly bold stroke. Yet, despite the official change, the platform continues to be referred to by its original name in everyday conversations. This phenomenon isn’t merely a habit; it reflects the deep emotional connections and the powerful brand identity that Twitter has forged over the years.

Twitter’s iconic blue bird and the name itself have become more than just parts of a logo; they represent a global town square, a digital heartbeat where news, opinions, and daily interactions converge. Such brand identities are not easily shelved, even in the face of official renaming. The emotional attachment to ‘Twitter’ is a testament to the platform’s role in shaping public discourse, creating communities, and even influencing world events.

The persistence of the name ‘Twitter’ in the public lexicon showcases the brand’s robust recognition and the substantial value it holds in users’ minds. This attachment can be ascribed to the rich tapestry of experiences, memories, and habits associated with the platform. It’s a reminder that brands live not just in advertisements or corporate filings but in the language and lives of people.

The conversation around the transition to ‘X’ is not just about corporate strategy or marketing tactics; it’s about the collective sentiment towards a platform that has become a staple of digital communication. The decision to continue using ‘Twitter’ in casual reference is a user-driven expression of identity and familiarity with the platform’s longstanding presence in their lives.

For many, ‘Twitter’ is not just a service but a space where voices have been amplified and heard. Calling it ‘X’ might signify a new direction or intention from the ownership, but ‘Twitter’ as a name carries the weight of its legacy. It’s a legacy made not by the platform but by its users — a patchwork of shared moments, viral trends, and movements that have defined the past decade.

While the future of ‘X’ is still unfolding, the enduring reference to ‘Twitter’ serves as a compelling narrative about the power of brand identity and the indelible mark it leaves on its community. It’s a reminder that while names can be changed with a keystroke, the essence of what they represent to millions may not shift as swiftly.

In this light, if you find yourself still saying ‘Twitter’ when you mean ‘X’, you’re not alone. You’re part of a collective memory, a shared understanding, and a widespread community for whom the name ‘Twitter’ resonates with a significance that transcends its textual form. It’s this very human aspect of branding — the emotional undercurrents and the personal stories interwoven with a name — that truly defines what a brand means to its users.

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