2B

What Does 2B Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

2B means "To Be."

More Observations...

The abbreviation 2B is often used with the meaning "To Be" to indicate a deadline. E.g., "This needs 2B done by 5:00 pm today." 2B is also sometimes used to preface a statement or opinion. For example:

• 2B honest, I didn't like working there anyway.
• 2B fair, he paid for it.

Image for 2B

When I write 2B, I mean this:

If Prince Hamlet had access to text messaging, he might have said "2B or not 2B."

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

2B
Definition:	To Be
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

Examples of 2B in Sentences

Here are examples of 2B in conversations:

• Prince Hamlet: 2B or not 2B, that is the question.

• Guy: I would love 2B with you when I wake up in the morning.
• Girl: 2B honest, you would have to drug me first.

An Academic Look at 2B

2B is defined as an "internet slang term" by our team because some of its characters are used as substitutes for letters. Most "slang terms" were introduced to reduce the number of key strokes required to write the word, but since the arrival of predictive texting and keyboards on mobile devices, this efficiency is no longer required. Nevertheless, "slang terms" are still regularly used to make messages more entertaining or to express individuality. "Slang terms" differ from icons because they are not pictorial representations.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "To Be" instead of using the abbreviation 2B.

Using Numbers in Texts

This video shows the different ways that numbers are used in "text speak":

Example of 2B Used in a Text

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