HBS Meaning: What This Slang Term Means on Social Media & In Texting

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Find out what these 3 little letters can signify online

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Meanings
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• Less Common Definitions
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• Related Slang

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While scrolling on TikTok or texting your friends, you might see people type “Hbs.” But what does this new acronym mean? “Hbs” is a common way to shorten the slang term “homeboy,” though it can stand for a few other things. In this article, we’ll go over the most common definitions of “Hbs,” as well as its lesser-used meanings and other slang it’s related to. Keep reading to find out more!

HBS Slang Definition

“Hbs” most commonly means “homeboys.” This is a casual, slang way to talk about your close male friends. “HBS” also commonly stands for “Harvard Business School,” which is a graduate school at Harvard University.

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Section 1 of 3:

The Meaning of HBS

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1. 
   1
   “Hbs” is short for “homeboys” on social media and in texts. “Homeboys” is a casual, slang way to refer to a group of guys who you consider to be close friends. So, you might use “Hbs” to talk about your guy friends when you’re on TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, or when you’re texting.

   • Examples:
     • “I miss my hbs. We need to all hang out soon.”
     • “My hbs are my ride or dies. I’d do anything for them.”
   • “Homeboy” (or "hb") comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) slang, though it gained mainstream popularity in the 2000s.
   • If you want to talk about your close girl friends, you can call them “homegirls” or “hgs.”
2. 
   2
   “HBS” can sometimes stand for “Harvard Business School.” “HBS” is a common abbreviation for Harvard Business School. As the name implies, this is the graduate business school at Harvard University. You might see people using “HBS” to talk about going to the school, whether they’re getting their Master's degree or PhD.

   • Examples:
     • “I’ve always wanted to go to HBS for grad school. It’s an amazing program.”
     • “You got into HBS? That’s incredible! You’re so smart!”
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Section 2 of 3:

Less Common Meanings of HBS

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1. 1
   Hemoglobin S Hemoglobin S, commonly written as “HbS,” is an abnormal form of hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to form a curved, crescent shape. Hemoglobin S is associated with illnesses like Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Anemia.

   • If you work in the medical field, you may come across this meaning of “Hbs.”
2. 2
   Hydraulic brake system A hydraulic brake system is a type of braking system used in cars, trucks, motorcycles, and scooters. When the brake pedal is pressed, pressurized fluid flows through the system to help stop the vehicle. You might come across this definition of “HBS” if you work in the automotive industry.
3. 3
   Heartbeat sensor The heartbeat sensor is a tool from the video game series Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. The sensor allows players to scan for heartbeat signals in a set range around them. Fans of the game often refer to the sensor as “HBS” when talking about it online.
4. 4
   Hot Buttered Soul Hot Buttered Soul is an album by Issac Hayes, which was released in 1969. It’s largely considered a landmark album in the soul genre. So, you might see music fans referring to the album as “HBS” online.
5. 5
   Household Budget Survey The Household Budget Survey, commonly shortened to HBS, is a nationwide survey conducted in many European countries. The survey captures information about the cost of living and rate of inflation for randomly selected households. You might see people talking about HBS online if they work on the survey or were selected to take it.
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Section 3 of 3:

Related Slang

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1. 
   There are lots of other slang ways to refer to your friends. “HBS” is just one common way to refer to your homeboys and guy close friends. If you’re looking for other ways to talk about your pals online, or even in person, try:

   • Homies
   • Bros (short for “brothers”)
   • Broskis
   • Squad
   • The boys
   • Fam (short for “family”)
   • Buds or buddies
   • Besties
   • BFFs (stands for “Best friends forever”)

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