What Does HBY Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More

Co-authored by Imad Jbara and Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: April 4, 2022

"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 1 of 5:

“HBY” Meaning on Snapchat

"How about you" is the most popular meaning of HBY. Technically, the "about" in this phrase is shortened to "'bout," so you're saying "how 'bout you?" This definition applies to most messaging platforms, including WhatsApp and social media sites like Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.^{[1]
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Research source} For example:
- You: "Are you going to the game this weekend?"
- Them: "Yeah! Can't wait to relax and have some fun. HBY?"

Section 2 of 5:

“HBY” Meaning in Texting

“HBY” most commonly means “how about you” over text. Friends, family, and friendly coworkers might all use “HBY” to ask for your opinion, plans, or current status. It’s a quick and easy way to return the question when someone asks how you’re doing, or what you’re doing.
- “Feeling a little tired today. HBY?”
- “Work is looking CRAZY for me this week. HBY?”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use “HBY”

1
Start a conversation. "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!
- 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
Confirm someone else's plans. 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.^{[2]
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- 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
Ask for an opinion. 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.^{[3]
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- You: "Controversial opinion: I think ghosts are 100% real. HBY?"
- Them: "I agree! Glad to know you're a fellow believer. 👻"

Section 4 of 5:

How to Respond to “HBY”

1
Give a short, simple response if you're busy. "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
Add personal details to keep the conversation going. 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…."

Section 5 of 5:

Other Forms of “HBY”

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"HBY" sometimes means "how be you" instead. 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
"HBY" can be spelled "HBU" as well. 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.^{[4]
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