BFF

BFF (noun / Internet & Text Slang)

(Also heard as: bff, Bff, BFFL)

Definition:

Best Friends Forever. It’s the ultimate tag for that one ride-or-die person in your corner who knows all your secrets, answers frantic phone calls at 2 a.m., and backs you up no matter what.

Where It Comes From:

Middle-schoolers were scribbling “Best Friends Forever” inside yearbook covers and weaving it into friendship bracelets long before the internet took over. Once T9 texting and instant messaging exploded in the late ’90s, the three-letter acronym caught fire everywhere. It cemented its place in pop culture through teen dramas, reality TV, and playground drama throughout the early 2000s.

How People Actually Use It:

People drop it across birthday photo dumps on Instagram, casual gossip texts, or when introducing their closest pal to a crowd. Half the time it’s totally sincere, but folks will also use it completely sarcastically when two people who clearly despise each other are forced to play nice.

Examples in the Wild:

• “Road trip with my BFF this weekend, no boys allowed.”

  Translation: Heading out of town with my absolute closest friend.

• “Don’t worry, my BFF already helped me pack up the entire apartment.”

  Translation: My best mate lent a hand with moving out.

• “Look at those two pretending to be BFFs after fighting all week.”

  Translation: They’re faking being close buddies right now.

Similar Slang: Bestie, Ride or Die, Day One, Homie, Main, Twin