What Does “BBF” Mean? (Plus, When & How to Use It)

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Learn all the meanings of “BBF” over text and social media

Co-authored by Bailey Cho

Last Updated: June 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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• “BBF” Meanings
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• Uses
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• Alternative Meanings
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• Origin
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• Related Slang

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You may have seen “BBF” over text or social media, but what exactly does it mean? This popular acronym stands for “best boy friend” or “best best friend,” depending on the context of the conversation. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about this sweet term of endearment, including its various meanings, uses, and similar slang terms.

“BBF” Meanings & Uses

“BBF” means “best boy friend” or “best best friend.” Both are terms of endearment for your closest friend. Use “BBF” (“best boy friend”) to clarify your relationship with a male friend, or call someone your “BBF” (“best best friend”) to make them feel loved.

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Section 1 of 5:

What does “BBF” mean?

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1. 
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   “BBF” often stands for “best boy friend” on social media. It refers to a close male friend that you can confide in and rely on, just like a best friend of any gender. Since “BBF” is a slang term, save it for casual conversations with your friends, family members, or romantic partner.

   • The acronym can be written in all lowercase (“bbf”) or uppercase (“BBF”), but most people opt for uppercase.
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   “BBF” might mean “best best friend” over text and social media. If the term “BFF” (“best friend forever”) doesn’t describe how much someone means to you, “BBF” is the perfect alternative—it’s a sweet term of endearment that people call their closest friend. A “BBF” is someone you can always count on, no matter what.
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Section 2 of 5:

When & How to Use “BBF”

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   Use “BBF” to clarify your relationship with a male friend. If someone gets the wrong idea about your friendship, use “BBF” (“best boy friend”) to set the record straight. It’s a short and simple way to explain that someone is just a friend—and nothing more!

   • “He’s not my boyfriend—he’s my BBF!”
   • “Why is it so hard to believe that he’s my BBF (best boy friend)?”
   • “I don’t get why everyone thinks he’s my boyfriend…He’s just my BBF!”
   • “Josh has been my BBF since middle school, so I would never go there 🙅‍♀️”
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   Use “BBF” to express love to a close friend or romantic partner. If you want to show someone how much they mean to you, call them your “BBF” (“best best friend”). It’s the perfect nickname to make them feel cared for, plus let them know you have their back through it all.

   • “Duh, you’re invited! You’re my BBF!!”
   • “Just wanted to let you know that you’re my BBF 🥰”
   • “I’m so lucky to know you! Thanks for being my BBF 💞”
   • “I always tell people that my BBF is hotter than their BBF 💁‍♀️”
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   Use “BBF” to caption a cute photo on Snapchat or Instagram. Looking for a cute and creative caption for social media? Use “BBF” (“best best friend”) to let your followers know who your bestie is! It’s a great way to highlight your friendship and show how close you two are.

   • “That’s my BBF 🔥”
   • “BBF 4 lyfe 🔒❤️‍🔥”
   • “POV: you’re my BBF”
   • “Sorry, my BBF is cuter than ur BBF 😈”
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Section 3 of 5:

Alternative Meanings of “BBF”

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   Bad boyfriend If someone is talking about their ex or a player, they might refer to him as a “BBF.” It means “bad boyfriend,” which can describe any guy who doesn’t respect his partner and/or cheats on them.
2. 2
   Best buds forever If you’re close to several people, refer to them as “BBFs.” It means “best buds forever,” or the people in your inner circle who are inseparable!
3. 3
   Best Bitmoji friend On Snapchat, the acronym “BBF” is probably short for “best Bitmoji friend.” A Bitmoji is a popular feature that allows users to create custom avatars of themselves. “BBF” describes someone who’s your best friend on the app, which is determined by how frequently you communicate with them.
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   Body by Fisher Occasionally, straight men use “BBF” to describe a woman with a curvy body. It’s a compliment that means she looks like a vehicle made by Fisher Body, an auto-designer from General Motors.
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   Brother’s Brother Foundation “BBF” may stand for “Brother’s Brother Foundation,” which is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1958, they provide humanitarian aid and medical resources to those in need.
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   Building Bright Futures “BBF” is a popular acronym for non-profit organizations across the world. Oftentimes, “building brighter future” funds and programs focus on providing resources for over-looked youth.
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   Broadband Forum Less commonly, “BBF” could be short for “Broadband Forum.” This is a non-profit organization that specializes in developing broadband network specifications, such as 5G and Cloud.
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   Back button focus In photography, the acronym “BBF” may stand for “back button focus,” which is a camera technique that separates focusing and shutter release to 2 different buttons. It’s a handy way to stop your camera’s autofocus system from continuously engaging when the shutter is released.
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   Ball bearing fan In electronics, the acronym “BBF” might be short for “ball bearing fan.” This type of fan has a lower level of friction, so it’s often used to cool down devices and industrial applications.
10. 10
    Box-box file If you’re in the workplace, the acronym “BBF” may stand for “box-box file.” It refers to a specific cabinet configuration with 2 box drawers and one file drawer.
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    Blood and body fluids In the medical field, the acronym “BBF” might mean “blood and bodily fluids.” BBF exposure can transmit diseases like hepatitis and HIV, so healthcare workers must use the proper precautions when giving first aid.
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    Bockbüchsflinte If you’re talking to someone who likes guns or hunting, the acronym “BBF” may stand for Bockbüchsflinte. This is a German term for an over and under combination gun with one shotgun barrel over a rifle barrel.
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    British Baseball Federation In the United Kingdom, the term “BBF” might refer to the British Baseball Federation. This organization governs and manages the national baseball teams, plus promotes and develops baseball in Great Britain.
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    British Best Friend If you’re talking to a reality TV lover, the term “BBF” might stand for “British Best Friend.” It was a 2009 reality TV series in which Paris Hilton went on a quest to find a new best friend in London.
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Section 4 of 5:

Origin of “BBF”

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1. 
   Acronyms like “BBF” became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Although the exact origin of “BBF” is unclear, Internet and texting slang became widespread with the rise of mobile phones. Short abbreviations allowed people to communicate more quickly and efficiently, especially if their device had limited space for messages.

Section 5 of 5:

Similar Slang Words

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   BFF This popular acronym stands for “best friend forever,” which is a term of endearment reserved for a close friend. Young girls use it in online communications to express love to someone they trust and admire.

   • “Genelle is my BFF!”
   • “I can’t believe you’re my BFF!”
   • “I’m so grateful to call you my BFF 💗”
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   BSF In slang, the term “BSF” is short for “best friend.” It’s a cute nickname for the person you’re closest to outside of your immediate family.

   • “You’re my BSF for life 🤞”
   • “Wait, how did you meet my BSF?”
   • “I actually met my BSF on Bumble BFF!”
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   IBF Online, the term “IBF” stands for “Internet best friend.” It refers to a close friend that you met online, usually through gaming sessions, forums, or social media platforms.

   • “Do you have any IBFs?”
   • “My IBF is absolutely hilarious. I wish she lived here 🥺”
   • “OMG, I can’t believe you know Melanie. She’s my IBF!”
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   Ride or die If you’ve met someone who’s loyal no matter what, refer to them as your “ride or die.” This can be a close friend or romantic partner that you fully trust and will have your back through thick and thin.

   • “I’m your ride or die, so you have nothing to worry about!”
   • “You’re my ride or die. I love you more than words can describe ❤️”
   • “Thanks for always supporting me. You’re the definition of a ride or die!”
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