IB

What Does IB Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

IB means "Inspired By" and "International Baccalaureate."

Inspired By

On social media apps such as TikTok, IB usually means "Inspired By." It is used to tag and give credit to another user or trend that has inspired the poster to make their own video. IB is used similarly to DC, when DC means "dance credit."

International Baccalaureate

IB is also used to refer to the International Baccalaureate, a full-time education programme for students aged 16 to 18 years that takes two years to complete. IB students take six subjects, plus a "Theory of Knowledge" course. They must also write an "Extended Essay."

Image for IB

When I write IB, I mean this:

"Inspired By"

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

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

IB
Definition:	Inspired By
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition

"International Baccalaureate" is another common definition for IB.

IB
Definition:	International Baccalaureate
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at IB

Whether used with the meaning "Inspired By" or "International Baccalaureate," IB is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Eye Bee"). Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words (e.g., GOAT, SLAPP).