WBU means 'what about you?' People add it after answering a question, to turn the same question back to the other person and keep the conversation going. Wiktionary lists WBU as internet slang and text-messaging shorthand for 'what about you', and here's the twist: Dictionary.com's main entry for WBU doesn't mention texting at all, it lists the World Boxing Union.
WBU is a small courtesy in three letters. It shows you're interested in the other person, not just answering their questions. It's common in new chats, dating apps and catch-ups with friends. Here's what it means, how to reply, how it differs from HBU and WYD, and when it can come across as a bit low-effort.
What about you, turned into three letters
Wiktionary's entry is short: in internet slang and text messaging, WBU is an initialism of 'what about you'. You'll see it lowercase, 'wbu', far more often than in capitals, because it usually trails at the end of a message.
The pattern almost always looks like this: someone asks you something, you answer, then you add 'wbu' so they can answer too. 'Just got home, wbu?' It's the texting version of passing the ball back.
The World Boxing Union surprise
If you look up WBU in Dictionary.com, you won't find the texting meaning in its main entry. It lists WBU as a British abbreviation for the World Boxing Union, drawing on the Collins English Dictionary. That's a nice reminder that slang often gets into crowd-built dictionaries like Wiktionary long before the traditional ones catch up.
In a text, though, nobody's asking about boxing. If WBU comes after someone's answer, it's 'what about you'.
WBU, HBU and WYD compared
These three get mixed up because they all keep a chat moving. Here's how they differ:
| Abbreviation | Stands for | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| WBU | What about you | Turns any question back to the other person |
| HBU | How about you | Same job, slightly softer, often about feelings or plans |
| WYD | What are you doing | Opens a chat or asks about right now |
| HRU | How are you | A greeting question |
| U? | And you? | The shortest version of WBU |
In practice, WBU and HBU are interchangeable. Pick whichever feels natural. WYD is different, because it starts a new question rather than bouncing one back.
How to answer WBU
Answer the original question as if they'd asked it directly. If they asked 'what are you up to this weekend?' and then said 'wbu' after their own answer, tell them your plans. A few tips:
- Give a real answer, not just 'same'. It shows you're engaged.
- Add one detail. 'Seeing my sister on Saturday' is easier to reply to than 'not much'.
- If you want the chat to keep going, ask something new at the end, rather than bouncing WBU straight back.
- If you're winding down, a short answer plus 'chat later' closes things kindly.
These are made-up messages to show how it's used, not real chats:
- 'Long day at work, wbu?' Turning the question back.
- 'I'm good thanks, wbu?' A reply to 'how are you?'.
- 'Pizza tonight. Wbu?' Asking about their dinner plans.
- 'Never watched it tbh, wbu?' Bouncing a TV question back.
When WBU feels lazy
WBU is friendly, but it can become a crutch. If every message you send ends in 'wbu', the other person ends up doing all the work of moving the conversation forward. On dating apps especially, a string of 'good wbu' replies can make a chat fizzle.
The fix is easy: answer with something specific and ask a question of your own. 'Good, just back from a run. Do you have a favourite route?' does far more than 'good wbu'. If you're decoding a casual opener like 'hey you', my guide to what HY means helps there.
WBU at work and in DMs
WBU is too casual for most work emails, but it's fine in a friendly team chat when you're swapping weekend plans or lunch ideas. With clients, write it out: 'How about you?' takes three more seconds and reads as more thoughtful.
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If you manage a brand account, a 'wbu?' in a reply to a follower's comment can feel warm and human, especially when the post asked a question. Just make sure you read their answer and reply, because asking and then ignoring the response feels worse than not asking at all.
Why WBU matters on dating apps
On dating apps, the first few messages decide whether a chat takes off, and WBU plays a quiet but important role. It shows interest, and it gives the other person an easy opening. The trouble is that it can turn into ping-pong: 'good wbu', 'good wbu', 'not much wbu'. After three rounds, both people are bored.
Here's a simple pattern that keeps things moving. Answer the question with one real detail, add WBU only if you want the same answer from them, and then ask something new next time. For example: 'Just finished a pottery class, my bowl looks like a hat. Wbu, done anything fun this week?' That gives them a detail to react to, a question to answer and a reason to keep chatting.
If you're the one receiving lots of WBU replies with no detail, it's fine to steer. Ask an open question that can't be answered with one word, such as what they're looking forward to this month. You'll learn quickly whether they're interested in a real conversation.
My take on WBU
WBU is a small, kind habit. It tells the other person you care what they think. Use it when you mean it, follow up when they answer, and don't let it replace a real question. For other quick chat shorthand that keeps things friendly, NGL is worth knowing too.
Frequently asked questions
What does WBU mean in a text?
It means 'what about you?' and turns a question back to the other person.
What's the difference between WBU and HBU?
Almost none. HBU means 'how about you', and both bounce a question back.
How do I reply to WBU?
Answer the original question with a real detail, then ask something of your own if you want the chat to continue.
Is WBU rude?
No, but ending every message with it can feel low-effort. Mix in your own questions.
What does WBU stand for in boxing?
Dictionary.com lists it as the World Boxing Union.
