PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Relationships
What Does Bub Mean in a Relationship? Download Article Co-authored by John Keegan and Hannah Madden
Last Updated: April 8, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
What does bub mean?
|
How to Use Bub
|
How to Reply to Bub
|
Synonyms for Bub
|
Origins of Bub
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 124,650 times.
Did your partner call you “bub” recently and you’re trying to figure out what it means? Or maybe your best friend has started calling you “bub” instead of your real name. This slang word can be a little confusing at first, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what “bub” means, where it came from, and how you can use it yourself.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
What does bub mean?
Download Article
1 Bub is a term of endearment for your significant other or someone you like. When someone you’re dating calls you “bub,” they’re using it as a cute pet name instead of calling you your real name. If you hear the term “bub” or see it texted to you, take it as a good sign![1]XResearch source
You might also see someone call you “bubs” or “bubz,” but they all mean the same thing.
Maybe your crush texts you, “Hey bub. How are you?” This is a sweet nickname that probably shows that they like you.
Or, maybe your partner greets you with a kiss and a “Hi, bubs.” They’re calling you a pet name to show their affection.
2 Bub can also mean a buddy or a pal. Has one of your best buddies called you “bub” recently? They’re doing it to show you that you’re their friend. Typically, a guy will call another guy “bub” to show him that they’re close.[2]X Expert Source John KeeganDating CoachExpert Interview [3]XResearch source
Your friend might say something like, “Heya bub, what’s up?” when you first see them.
Advertisement Section 2 of 5:
How to Use Bub
Download Article
1 Call your significant other “bub” to show them affection. Since this word is a term of endearment, you can use it on your partner to show them that you love them. Call them “bub” when you’re saying hello or just checking in on them throughout the day.[4]XResearch source
“Hey bub, how’s it going?”
“Morning bub. What’s up?”
Gary Chapman, Relationship Counselor & Bestselling Author
The way you express your love may not be the way your partner wants to receive it. And vice versa. That's why it's important to learn each other's love languages. Once you do, you'll be able to communicate your love in a way that truly fills your partner's emotional tank.
2 Call your friend “bub” to show them you’re close. If you’re really good friends with someone, you might not want to call them by their name all the time. You can call your pal “bub” to show them that you like them and that you two are as close as friends can be.
“Hey bub, how’s it hanging?”
“Hey bub, you going to the gym today?”
Advertisement Section 3 of 5:
How to Reply to Bub
Download Article
1 “Hey babe!” If your partner calls you “bub,” you can call them a pet name, too. Go for “babe,” “baby,” or anything that you two normally call each other for a sweet reply that’s sure to make them smile.
Can’t think of anything in the moment? Feel free to call them “bub,” too! You could also go for a twist on this word by calling them “bubs.”
2 “Hey dude.” If your friend calls you “bub,” it’s the same as if they called you buddy or pal. You can call them “dude,” “bro,” or any nickname that you’d normally call a close friend.
You can call your friend “bub,” but don’t call them “bubs.” That one is usually reserved for people in a relationship with each other.
Advertisement Section 4 of 5:
Synonyms for Bub
Download Article
1 Babe In the modern age, bub is very similar to a pet name like “babe” or “baby.” You might hear your partner call you “bub” when they want to call you something sweet that isn’t your name. You could do the same thing by calling them babe or baby.[5]XResearch source
You could also call them darling, sweetie, cutie pie, or sweetheart.
2 Bae This slang word is similar to bub, but it’s used more on social media. “Bae” is just another way to say “baby” or “babe,” and it can be used to describe someone who you’re talking to but not in an official relationship with yet.
Some people also use “bae” as an acronym for “Before All Else,” but that’s not as common.
3 Boo The pet name “boo” is very similar to “bub”—it’s another way of saying “babe” or “baby.” You might call your significant other your “boo” if you’re texting about them or talking about them on social media.
Advertisement Section 5 of 5:
Origins of Bub
Download Article
Bub was first used in the 1800s as slang for “buddy.” In the olden days, you might have heard “bub” used as an informal way to address someone. It was used as a way to slight people—someone might say, “Hurry up, bub, get moving,” as a way to avoid calling them “sir.”[6]XResearch source
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
"Boo" Meaning in a Relationship: An Expert-Backed ExplanationWhat a Girl Means When She Calls You Boo (And How to Respond) What Does BBY Mean? Different Uses In Slang, Star Wars & MoreWhat Does it Mean When a Girl (or Guy) Calls You “B?”145+ Terms of Endearment & Nicknames for Everyone in Your LifePopular Slang Terms for Friends: American, British & MoreHe Calls Me Babe but I’m Not His Girlfriend: 5 Reasons Why11 Ways to Respond When a Girl Calls You BabeWhat Habibi Means (and When to Use It)20 Names Guys Love to be Called The Best 200+ Funny Nicknames For Your Friends, Partners & More300+ Cute, Unique, & Matching Couple Nicknames400+ Affectionate & Amusing Nicknames for Your HusbandWhat Does “HB” Mean Online and over Text? Advertisement
Co-authored by: John Keegan Dating Coach This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 124,650 times. 10 votes - 70% Co-authors: 5Updated: April 8, 2025 Views: 124,650 Categories: Relationships
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 124,650 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: John Keegan Dating Coach 10 votes - 70% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 5Updated: April 8, 2025 Views: 124,650
Quizzes & Games
Nickname GeneratorGenerate NamesHow Well Do I Know Gen Z Slang QuizTake QuizAre You Best Friends QuizTake QuizAm I a Bouba or Kiki QuizTake QuizLove Language QuizTake QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
"Boo" Meaning in a Relationship: An Expert-Backed ExplanationWhat a Girl Means When She Calls You Boo (And How to Respond) What Does BBY Mean? Different Uses In Slang, Star Wars & MoreWhat Does it Mean When a Girl (or Guy) Calls You “B?”
Featured Articles
What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?
Trending Articles
How toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?
Featured Articles
How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test
Featured Articles
250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special
Watch Articles
How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)How to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?
Quizzes & Games
Gen Alpha TranslatorGenerateHow Well Do You Know Gen Alpha Slang QuizTake QuizThree-Letter Name GeneratorGenerate NamesBrainrot Translator TestTake QuizUwu Text ConverterGenerateAm I Basic QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Relationships
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by John Keegan and Hannah Madden 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: John Keegan Dating Coach This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 124,650 times. 10 votes - 70% Co-authors: 5 Updated: April 8, 2025 Views: 124,650 Categories: Relationships 
Generate Names
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Generate
Take Quiz
Generate Names
Take Quiz
Generate
Take Quiz 
523 
1 Bub is a term of endearment for your significant other or someone you like. When someone you’re dating calls you “bub,” they’re using it as a cute pet name instead of calling you your real name. If you hear the term “bub” or see it texted to you, take it as a good sign![1] 
2 Bub can also mean a buddy or a pal. Has one of your best buddies called you “bub” recently? They’re doing it to show you that you’re their friend. Typically, a guy will call another guy “bub” to show him that they’re close.[2] [3] 
1 Call your significant other “bub” to show them affection. Since this word is a term of endearment, you can use it on your partner to show them that you love them. Call them “bub” when you’re saying hello or just checking in on them throughout the day.[4] 
Gary Chapman, Relationship Counselor & Bestselling Author 
2 Call your friend “bub” to show them you’re close. If you’re really good friends with someone, you might not want to call them by their name all the time. You can call your pal “bub” to show them that you like them and that you two are as close as friends can be. 
1 “Hey babe!” If your partner calls you “bub,” you can call them a pet name, too. Go for “babe,” “baby,” or anything that you two normally call each other for a sweet reply that’s sure to make them smile. 
2 “Hey dude.” If your friend calls you “bub,” it’s the same as if they called you buddy or pal. You can call them “dude,” “bro,” or any nickname that you’d normally call a close friend. 
1 Babe In the modern age, bub is very similar to a pet name like “babe” or “baby.” You might hear your partner call you “bub” when they want to call you something sweet that isn’t your name. You could do the same thing by calling them babe or baby.[5] 
2 Bae This slang word is similar to bub, but it’s used more on social media. “Bae” is just another way to say “baby” or “babe,” and it can be used to describe someone who you’re talking to but not in an official relationship with yet. 
3 Boo The pet name “boo” is very similar to “bub”—it’s another way of saying “babe” or “baby.” You might call your significant other your “boo” if you’re texting about them or talking about them on social media. Advertisement 
Bub was first used in the 1800s as slang for “buddy.” In the olden days, you might have heard “bub” used as an informal way to address someone. It was used as a way to slight people—someone might say, “Hurry up, bub, get moving,” as a way to avoid calling them “sir.”[6]