PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

"HBY" is a common abbreviation tossed around in texts and on Snapchat—but what does it mean? There are so many different slang terms out there that it's hard to keep track of them all—but we've got you covered. In this article, we'll go over all the possible meanings for "HBY" and give you a complete list of ways that you can incorporate it into your own messages!

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use “HBY”

PDF download Download Article
  1. "HBY" is a question, so it naturally invites a response from the other person. You can use this to start a conversation with a friend, get to know a new acquaintance better, or even catch your crush's attention! [3]
    • You: "Well, I'm officially having the most boring weekend ever. 😭 HBY?"
    • Them: "Aw, sorry! Mine's been pretty slow too. Wanna hang out?"
  2. When you're curious whether you and your friend are on the same page in terms of future plans, HBY is an easy way to check. Reaffirm your interest or commitment to them, and ask if they feel the same. [4]
    • You: "I know we talked about seeing a movie tomorrow night, and I'm still game! HBY?"
    • Them: "I actually have a family thing that night. But we could go the day after if you're free?"
  3. HBY is a great way to figure out how someone else feels about a particular topic. Additionally, asking for someone's opinion can help you connect over a common interest or have a lively, fun debate. [5]
    • You: "Controversial opinion: I think ghosts are 100% real. HBY?"
    • Them: "I agree! Glad to know you're a fellow believer. 👻"
  4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

How to Respond to “HBY”

PDF download Download Article
  1. "HBY" can start a conversation, but it doesn't have to be a long exchange. To keep the conversation brief, you could always give a straightforward "yes" or "no" if that answers the question or write another concise answer.
    • Them: "I decided I'm gonna go to the party tonight. HBY?"
    • You: "Same! See you there. 😁"
  2. HBY by itself can be a close-ended question, but you may want to keep chatting after you've answered "yes" or "no." Try including an additional comment or question to prompt a response from your friend.
    • Them: "I definitely wanna watch the new season of Riverdale . HBY?"
    • You: "Yes! We should catch the season premiere together. 😊"
    • Them: "Totally! Let's plan to hang out…."
  3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Other Forms of “HBY”

PDF download Download Article
  1. The non-abbreviated phrasing may sound awkward, but some people use HBY to ask someone how they're doing—to catch up after a lack of communication. You can usually tell they mean "how be you?" if there's no other information to respond to in the message. For example:
    • Them: "Hey! HBY?"
    • You: "Not bad! It's been a busy week, but a lot of fun too. 😊"
  2. HBU has two substitutions instead of one, with "about" becoming "'bout" and "you" becoming "u." While they use a slightly different letter combination, these two abbreviations mean the same thing. You can use them interchangeably, pick one, or choose the spelling your contacts use more often. [6]
  3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 29,880 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement