OBV

What Does OBV Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

OBV means "Obviously."

More Observations...

The abbreviation OBV is a contraction of the word "Obviously." It is typically seen as a single word reply to an obvious statement or to a question that doesn't need a detailed response because the answer is so obvious. OBV is one of many abbreviations of the word "Obvious." Others include:

• OBS.
• OBVI.
• OBVS.
• OVO.

Image for OBV

When I write OBV, I mean this:

OBV is obviously a single word response.

Summary of Key Points

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

OBV
Definition:	Obviously
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of OBV in Sentences

Here are examples of OBV in conversations:

• Lucy: Are you driving tonight?
• Alice: OBV not. They're supplying free drinks!

• Cherie: My new date is called "Muscles."
• Abi: OBV. It couldn't possibly have been "Brains."

An Academic Look at OBV

OBV is a shortened version of the word obviously. Therefore it is a contraction. Contractions tend to be formed in one of three ways:

• Using letters from the start of the word (e.g., OBV from obviously).
• Using letters from the start and end of the word (e.g., Dr from Doctor).
• Using an apostrophe to replace a letter or letters (e.g., can't from cannot).

For reasons of brevity, contractions are rarely followed by periods/full stops and apostrophes are routinely omitted in text-based conversations.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "Obviously" instead of using the abbreviation OBV.

Example of OBV Used in a Text

You might also like...