BIAB

What Does BIAB Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

BIAB means "Back In A Bit."

More Observations...

BIAB is typically used in online and text-based communications to mean "Back In A Bit." It is often used in online forums to indicate that a participant is leaving, but will be back shortly. BIAB is similar in meaning to BRB ("Be Right Back"). It contrasts with BBL ("Be Back Later"), which suggests a break of up to a few hours. Of note, the abbreviation BBIAB means "Be Back In A Bit."

Image for BIAB

When I write BIAB, I mean this:

BIAB means "Back In A Bit," as in "Back Soon."

Summary of Key Points

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

BIAB
Definition:	Back in a Bit
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of BIAB in Sentences

Here are examples of BIAB in conversations:

• Question: What's the English Terminator's catchphrase?
• Answer: I'll be BIAB luv.

• Game Player: Can we pause there? I've got to answer the door. BIAB.

An Academic Look at BIAB

BIAB is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement), which translates best as "I will be back very soon." In other words, it is not normally used as another part of speech within a wider sentence. BIAB is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Bee Eye Eh Bee), but as this is harder to say than "Back In A Bit" it is not often uttered using its letters. In other words, the abbreviation BIAB is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech. Initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are spoken like words.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said something like "be back soon" or "be right back" instead of using the abbreviation BIAB.

Example of BIAB Used in a Text

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