What do you say when asked this question from a friend who has only heard its name mentioned a few times in the news and has no clue. I find myself lately taking the easy way out and suggesting google. I would prefer to give a clearer answer, but usually saying something leads to more questions and more confusion.
If someone could point me to a twitter type answer that would inform and twig their curiosity, i think it would be a better outcome.
If a friend of mine will asked me what is bitcoin about I answered them directly that it is sort of income and money in digital form

, so they will be all ears listening to me but what is really hard when everything seems to be complicated because lots of questions will follow so sometimes I just don't want to answer them and just like you OP i'll just told them to google it.
It is better and probably the best way to explain bitcoin if you will tell them what is the real meaning of bitcoin and why it is existing and what are the things that we can benefit from bitcoin and that is when you will be telling him that bitcoin is a good source of income and it can be done through online only because it is a virtual money.