ABP

What Does ABP Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

ABP means "Already Been Posted."

More Observations...

The abbreviation ABP is typically used on internet forums when a user publishes a link that has previously been posted or asks a question that has been answered in an earlier thread. As many popular forums are now so large, it is often difficult for newcomers to know what may already have been discussed, even if they carry out a search on the topic. A moderator or senior member might respond to a repeat question on an old topic with ABP and a link to the previous thread. On some forums, less polite users will respond with ABP and will admonish and abuse the "newbie" for their lack of knowledge.

Image for ABP

When I write ABP, I mean this:

Stop and think before you post a link or question.

Summary of Key Points

"Already Been Posted" is, by far, the most common meaning for ABP when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

ABP
Definition:	Already Been Posted
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	5: Extremely difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of ABP in Sentences

Here are examples of ABP in conversations:

New User: Can anyone tell me the difference between the black and the red?
Moderator: ABP. Check this link.

New User: How do I switch between my phone and PC?
Troll: ABP, dork! Search the forum before posting.

An Academic Look at ABP

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Ay Bee Pee"), ABP is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words. ABP is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). In other words, it is not normally used as a part of speech within a wider sentence.