BL
What Does BL Mean?
The abbreviation BL is used with a number of meanings, including "Bad Luck," "Boy Love," and "Bottom Line." Here is more information about each of these definitions, with examples of how and when to use them.Bad Luck

In informal or casual text messaging and conversations online, BL is widely used as an abbreviation of the phrase "bad luck." It is typically used to express sympathy or to commiserate with someone who has experienced an unfortunate or unlucky situation. For example:
- Sam: If you break a mirror, you get seven years of BL.
- Ali: If you break a condom, your BL will probably outlive you.
- Toni: My car has been clamped. I'm going to have to walk home.
- Jordan: BL! Can you pick up some dog food on your way past the grocery store?
Boy Love

In anime and manga, BL means "boy love" (also written as "boys love" and "boy's love"). it is a genre that centers on romantic and sometimes sexual relationships between male characters, primarily targeting a female audience. Originating in Japan, it has gained international popularity and encompasses various subgenres, from sweet and heartwarming stories to more explicit content.
Bottom Line

BL also stands for "bottom line." In informal chat, "bottom line" is a phrase similar to "in summary" or "end result." It is often used to preface an amusing summary of a story of bad luck or unintended consequences. For example:
- Lee: I accidentally ordered 10 full-size cherry blossom trees instead of 10 bonsai trees, and totally blew my credit card limit.
- Cal: BL: You are now the proud owner of a Japanese cherry tree forest. You'll be able to charge people for visits.
- Chris: My car has broken down and I can't afford to get it repaired. I'm going to have to walk to work.
- Jo: BL: You're doing your bit for the environment and getting in a workout.
Image for BL
When I write BL, I mean this:

BL is used with a number of meanings.
Summary of Key Points
First Definition of BL
"Bad Luck" is the most common definition for BL on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.BL | |
---|---|
Definition: | Bad Luck |
Type: | Abbreviation |
Guessability: | ![]() 3: Guessable |
Typical Users: | ![]() Adults and Teenagers |
Second Definition of BL
"Boy Love" is a common definition for BL in anime and manga.BL | |
---|---|
Definition: | Boy Love |
Type: | Abbreviation |
Guessability: | ![]() 3: Guessable |
Typical Users: | ![]() Adults and Teenagers |
Third Definition of BL
BL also means "Bottom Line."BL | |
---|---|
Definition: | Bottom Line |
Type: | Abbreviation |
Guessability: | ![]() 3: Guessable |
Typical Users: | ![]() Adults and Teenagers |
An Academic Look at BL
BL is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced one letter at a time. Other examples of initialisms are AI ("Artificial Intelligence") and EW ("Electronic Warfare").Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words (e.g., GOAT ("Greatest Of All Time"), NATO ("North Atlantic Treaty Organization").
Example of BL Used in a Text
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See Also
Search the Letter B BLNT (better luck next time) BOL (best of luck) BLUE CHIP (well-established and financially sound company) BUMMER (bad luck) BLUF (bottom line up front) CITY-POP (category of Japanese pop music) HENTAI (Japanese anime & manga pornography)Quiz
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