ISB

What Does ISB Mean in a Text?

ISB means "I'm So Bored."

The abbreviation ISB is used with the meaning "I'm So Bored" to indicate that the sender is disinterested in what they are currently doing and probably wishes to be somewhere else. The use of IMB implies that the sender has no way of getting out of the activity that is causing their boredom (e.g., they are at work or are being obliged to participate in something that they would really rather not do).

The statement "I'm So Bored" and the abbreviation ISB are often used by children and teenagers. Childcare experts believe boredom can be a positive state for children, as it forces the cultivation of imagination and self-motivation as they are obliged to find ways to alleviate their boredom.

ISB is similar in meaning to, but slightly more emphatic than, IMB (I'm Bored) and IAB (I Am Bored). It is less emphatic than BOOMM (Bored Out Of My Mind) and BBB (Bored Beyond Belief).

Image for ISB

When I write ISB, I mean this:

meaning of ISB

ISB, even my toys are boring.

Summary of Key Points

"I'm So Bored" is the most common definition for ISB on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
ISB
Definition:I'm So Bored
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4
4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of ISB in Sentences

Here are examples of ISB being used in conversations:
  • Kay: Has the meeting finished yet?
  • Sophie: They're still droning on about annual forecasts. ISB.
  • Naggy Partner: And another thing....
  • Hen-pecked Partner: ISB of this. All we ever do is argue.

An Academic Look at ISB

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Eye Ess Bee"), ISB is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

ISB is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It is not normally used as a part of speech within a wider sentence.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "I'm So Bored," or something like "I'm Bored" instead of using the abbreviation ISB.

Example of ISB Used in a Text

ISB
author logo

This page is maintained by the Cyber Definitions Editorial Team.

Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?
  • Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
Please tell us using this form.

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.
gold cup
Gold

gold cup
Silver

gold cup
Bronze

0
  • This test has questions.
  • A correct answer is worth 5 points.
  • You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
  • Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
  • Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
  • 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System

Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)