What Does Bub Mean in a Relationship?

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Co-authored by John Keegan and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: April 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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What does bub mean?

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How to Use Bub

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How to Reply to Bub

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Synonyms for Bub

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Origins of Bub

Did your partner call you “bub” recently and you’re trying to figure out what it means? Or maybe your best friend has started calling you “bub” instead of your real name. This slang word can be a little confusing at first, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what “bub” means, where it came from, and how you can use it yourself.

Section 1 of 5:

What does bub mean?

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Bub is a term of endearment for your significant other or someone you like. When someone you’re dating calls you “bub,” they’re using it as a cute pet name instead of calling you your real name. If you hear the term “bub” or see it texted to you, take it as a good sign!^{[1]
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- You might also see someone call you “bubs” or “bubz,” but they all mean the same thing.
- Maybe your crush texts you, “Hey bub. How are you?” This is a sweet nickname that probably shows that they like you.
- Or, maybe your partner greets you with a kiss and a “Hi, bubs.” They’re calling you a pet name to show their affection.
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Bub can also mean a buddy or a pal. Has one of your best buddies called you “bub” recently? They’re doing it to show you that you’re their friend. Typically, a guy will call another guy “bub” to show him that they’re close.^{[2]
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John Keegan
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- Your friend might say something like, “Heya bub, what’s up?” when you first see them.

Section 2 of 5:

How to Use Bub

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Call your significant other “bub” to show them affection. Since this word is a term of endearment, you can use it on your partner to show them that you love them. Call them “bub” when you’re saying hello or just checking in on them throughout the day.^{[4]
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- “Hey bub, how’s it going?”
- “Morning bub. What’s up?”
Gary Chapman, Relationship Counselor & Bestselling Author

The way you express your love may not be the way your partner wants to receive it. And vice versa. That's why it's important to learn each other's love languages. Once you do, you'll be able to communicate your love in a way that truly fills your partner's emotional tank.
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Call your friend “bub” to show them you’re close. If you’re really good friends with someone, you might not want to call them by their name all the time. You can call your pal “bub” to show them that you like them and that you two are as close as friends can be.
- “Hey bub, how’s it hanging?”
- “Hey bub, you going to the gym today?”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Reply to Bub

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“Hey babe!” If your partner calls you “bub,” you can call them a pet name, too. Go for “babe,” “baby,” or anything that you two normally call each other for a sweet reply that’s sure to make them smile.
- Can’t think of anything in the moment? Feel free to call them “bub,” too! You could also go for a twist on this word by calling them “bubs.”
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“Hey dude.” If your friend calls you “bub,” it’s the same as if they called you buddy or pal. You can call them “dude,” “bro,” or any nickname that you’d normally call a close friend.
- You can call your friend “bub,” but don’t call them “bubs.” That one is usually reserved for people in a relationship with each other.

Section 4 of 5:

Synonyms for Bub

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Babe In the modern age, bub is very similar to a pet name like “babe” or “baby.” You might hear your partner call you “bub” when they want to call you something sweet that isn’t your name. You could do the same thing by calling them babe or baby.^{[5]
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- You could also call them darling, sweetie, cutie pie, or sweetheart.
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Bae This slang word is similar to bub, but it’s used more on social media. “Bae” is just another way to say “baby” or “babe,” and it can be used to describe someone who you’re talking to but not in an official relationship with yet.
- Some people also use “bae” as an acronym for “Before All Else,” but that’s not as common.
The pet name “boo” is very similar to “bub”—it’s another way of saying “babe” or “baby.” You might call your significant other your “boo” if you’re texting about them or talking about them on social media.

Section 5 of 5:

Origins of Bub

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In the olden days, you might have heard “bub” used as an informal way to address someone. It was used as a way to slight people—someone might say, “Hurry up, bub, get moving,” as a way to avoid calling them “sir.”^{[6]
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