The TikTok Slang Phrase "No Bap" Explained (Plus, Where It Came From)

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Learn how to use "no bap" correctly in a sentence

Co-authored by Lizzy Hanks and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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“No Bap” Meaning

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Usage

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Origin

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Social Media Popularity

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Similar Slang Terms

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What does the new TikTok slang term “no bap” mean? It essentially means the same thing as “no cap” and has gradually become a sort of twin phrase. In this article, we explain exactly what no bap means and how to use it. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

What does the slang term “no bap” mean?

"No bap" is a slang term that means "no lie." It comes from the slang term "no cap," which means the same thing. People say "no bap" to emphasize that they’re telling the truth, no matter how false or exaggerated it may sound.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “no bap” mean?

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No bap is a slang term that means “no lie.” Derived from the slang term “no cap,” no bap is a slang term that means you are telling the truth. It can be used in different ways, from a phrase that emphasizes the truth of your statement, to one that shows how genuine you are being.^{[1]
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- Many people use the phrase when they say something that may sound hard to believe to let the other person know they aren't exaggerating (even if it sounds like it).^{[2]
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- The slang term comes from the California Blood Gang, who started changing the initial "C" in certain words to a "B" to avoid being associated with their rival gang, the Crips.^{[3]
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Use “No Bap”

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Use “no bap” to let others know you aren’t lying. Whether you say something that’s hard to believe or you just want to emphasize the validity of your statement, use “no bap.” For example, if you scored high on a hard test or really enjoyed a meal you had at lunch, use “no bap” to emphasize how true your feelings behind the statement are.
- Example: “You snapped on dinner, no bap! I need like 10 more plates.”
- Example: “I bet on the Vikings to win and they clutched it, bro! No bap, I won $900 off a 3-leg.”
- “No bap” is used in a casual sense, so it’s best to keep your use between friends and others you’re close with.
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Use “no bap” to let others know you aren’t exaggerating. When someone accuses you of lying when you say something that may be hard to believe, like how you paid for your first new car in cash or booked an international vacation on a whim, use “no bap” to casually let them know that you’re being serious and none of your statement is fabricated.^{[4]
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- Example: “I know it’s gonna sound crazy, but I got early access to some new Marvel Rivals characters. No bap, bro, I swear. I got to play as Professor X and everything!”
- Example: “No bap, bro, she gave me her number and I didn’t even have to ask. I just liked a few IG pics and she DM’d it to me 😭”

Section 3 of 5:

Where does “no bap” come from?

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“No bap” comes from the Blood gang revamping the phrase “no cap.” The Blood gang is an infamous gang from the streets of Compton, California, that has been active since the 1970s. To avoid association with their rival gang, the Crips, they drop the C from words and replace it with a B.^{[5]
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Research source} So, when the phrase “no cap” gained popularity thanks to rappers like Young Thug and Future, “no bap” quickly came onto the scene.^{[6]
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- Although the term was initially associated with the Blood gang, online users have adopted “no bap” into their online vocabulary, gradually dissociating the phrase from its gang ties.
No bap’s parent phrase, “no cap” has deep roots in the Black community, with “capping” being deemed a behavior where people would lightly joke about others for fun, not out of seriousness. This African American Vernacular English (AAVE) phrase would later go on to be adopted into “no cap,” which in turn birthed “no bap.”^{[7]
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“No Bap” on Social Media

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“No bap” is popular with TikTok users and frequently appears in posts. Users on TikTok tend to use “no bap” to emphasize the fact that they aren’t lying or exaggerating. If you’re scrolling and come across a hot take, for example, it’s likely that the person who posted it either said “no bap” in the video or has captioned it using “no bap.”
- TikTok Example: On January 24, 2023, @kbjr2x posted a TikTok where he claimed Kai Cenat has one of the best intros and outros on Twitch, captioning the post with “No bap 💯.”
- TikTok Example: On March 25, 2025, @theonlyjp00 posted a TikTok claiming NBA player Jeff Teague had the perfect career due to his strong stats, rings, and his solid role-playing skills, backing it up with the caption “no bap.”
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Some TikTok users have indicated confusion about the phrase. With the rapid popularity of “no bap,” some people have been confused about why it’s being used, while others are confused as to what it means entirely. While some tend to get confused about the term’s use due to its association with the Blood gang, its adoption by young TikTok users has gradually distanced that association.
- TikTok Example: On April 10, 2025, @abdenrose posted a TikTok of the popular streamer Raud using “no bap” around fellow streamer DDG, to which DDG responded with confusion, asking,” You a blood?”
- TikTok Example: On February 15, 2023, school resource police officer @ o.t.911 posted a TikTok talking about the meaning and use of “no bap” and other slang terms. Then, he tested his use of “no bap” with students. Look at oldheads staying hip!
- Linguistics researcher and communication educator Lizzy Hanks says, “Adolescent language users have a long history of instigating language changes that last for decades.”^{[8]
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The phrase got more popular after Lucki released his song “No Bap.” While the phrase was already popular within its own right, the release of the rapper Lucki’s 2023 track turned “no bap” up to new levels. Many TikTokers discuss or reference the song online, showing how popular it is among the new generation.
- TikTok Example: On April 1, 2024, @gabyspovv posted a TikTok dancing to “No Bap” with the caption “when I say no bap in a conversation and someone asks what does that mean?”
- TikTok Example: On June 8, 2023, @youngthugthegoat posted a TikTok of John Cena dancing to “No Bap” with the caption “Me listening to this LUCKI song for the 100th time today.”

Section 5 of 5:

Similar Slang Terms

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Merch “Merch” is a Chicago slang term that means “to prove.” It is mostly used in conversations where the information is a bit shaky and someone has to back something up. For example, if a random person went up to someone in Chicago and told them their best friend was praying for their downfall, they’d say “merch it” to see if that person is telling the truth.^{[9]
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FRL “FRL” is a text abbreviation for the term “for real,” which, like “no bap,” is used to express that you are being truthful and honest about something. For example, if you texted your friend letting them know that their crush is into them and they didn’t believe you, you’d respond back by saying “I’m FRL” to emphasize that you’re being serious.^{[10]
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On Foenem “On foenem,” also known as “OFN,” is another slang term from Chicago. “Foenem” is an abbreviation for friends and family, and when foenem is put on something, it’s done to emphasize the fact that you’re being honest or keeping it real, like “no bap.” For example, if someone from Chicago was trying to prove they were inside instead of the club, you’d say “On foenem, I was at the crib!”^{[11]
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