HBU is a very common acronym in texting and online messaging. It stands for:
How Bout You?
It's pronounced exactly as "how about you?" when read aloud.
Meaning and Usage
HBU is used directly in response to someone asking about you or your situation. It flips the question back to the other person as a quick way to ask:
- What is your situation or feeling about this?
- Do you have anything to share on this topic?
- What do you think?
It's a way to show interest in the other person and keep the conversation flowing without repeating the full question.
Example Conversations
Friend A: Hey! How's your day going?
Friend B: Pretty good, chilled mostly. HBU?
Person 1: I think I'm gonna order pizza tonight.
Colleague A: That meeting was long! Finally over.
Colleague B: Yeah, glad it's done. HBU? Need a coffee break?
Key Points
- Casual Use: It's appropriate for informal chats with friends, family, or familiar colleagues. Avoid in formal communication.
- Follow-Up Question: It almost always comes after you've briefly answered the question directed at you.
- Ubiquity: HBU is extremely widespread in SMS, social media DMs, and instant messaging apps.
