BBL Meaning
Last Updated:What does BBL mean?
BBL means Be Back Later. It could also mean Barrel of Oil.
On this page:
- Where is BBL used?
- How is BBL used?
- Example Uses of BBL
- Who uses BBL?
- History of BBL
- Other Definitions of BBL
BBL is an initialism that stands for “be back later”. It is often used in online conversations and in texting to let other people know that you have to leave for some amount of time, but that you plan on returning.
Unlike BRB, which suggests that you’ll return in a very short period time (e.g. within minutes), BBL is used to inform others that you’ll be back after a longer period of time (e.g. hours).
Where is BBL used?
BBL is used most frequently on social networks and websites that allow users to chat with each other. It was used frequently on AIM and similar services. It is also occasionally used in text messages.
BBL is used on the follow platforms and places:
- texting
- online conversation
- Discord
- Facebook Messenger
- Twitch
How is BBL used?
BBL is used to tell others that you’ll be back later. For example, if you’re talking to someone on Discord but you have to go to work, you might tell them that you’ll BBL.
Do people say BBL out loud?
No, but it’s very common for people to say that they’ll “be back later”.
Example Uses of BBL
I have an appointment with the dentist, I'll BBL.
Someone tells their friend that they'll be back later after they see the dentist.
Had to run home but I'll BBL.
Someone texts their friend to let them know where they went and to let them know they'll return.
In a text message:Hey, will you BBL? If so, bring pizza!
Someone asks their friend if they plan on returning (to wherever they were).
On Discord:I have to eat dinner but I'll BBL.
Someone lets their friend know they're going to get dinner but they'll return afterwards.
On Twitch:I have to go but I'll BBL.
A streamer tells the chat that they have to end the stream but that they'll be back later.
Who uses BBL?
BBL seems to be used primarily by people who spend a lot of time talking to others online. Your grandmother, for instance, is unlikely to use the term.
History of BBL
First Use
We’re not sure when BBL was first used, but it was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2003.
Rise in Popularity
Unlike many slang terms, BBL has not seen a big increase (or decrease) in Google searches, according to Google Trends. Around December and Jaunary each year, there is a big increase in searches due to people searching for the Big Bash League (an Australian cricket competition).
What was used before BBL?
Before BBL was used, people probably just typed out “be back later”.
Other Definitions of BBL
BBL can also mean:
- Barrel of Oil
Barrel of Oil
BBL can be used as an abbreviation that stands for “barrel of oil”.
Big Bash League
BBL is also an initialism that stands for Big Bash League, an Australian cricket competition that takes place each year from December to February.